HC Deb 27 March 1986 vol 94 c571W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what responses he received from medical officers of health authorities in the west midlands region in respect of the survey concerning National Health Service plans in preparation for a nuclear war.

Mr. Whitney

The Department invited comment from health authorities and other bodies on a draft consultation document it issued in June 1985 about civil defence planning in the National Health Service. The West Midlands regional health authority included in its reply advice about the distinction between planning for conventional and for nuclear war, and drew attention to the extent of disruption and the numbers of casualties which could result from a nuclear attack. Officials are considering the large amount of comment received.