HC Deb 20 November 1986 vol 105 cc286-7W
18. Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the results of his pilot study for improving regional civil defence co-ordination will be available for reporting to the House.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

This study is expected to be complete in the second half of 1987. A report will be made to the House.

19. Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he proposes to take to improve the co-ordinating arrangements for civil defence planning in Government Departments.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I refer my hon. Friend to the earlier reply given to the question from my hon. Friend the Member for Dulwich (Mr. Bowden).

20. Mr. Patrick Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to publish a civil defence newsletter for volunteers.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I refer to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave earlier to the question from my hon. Friend the Member for Dudley, West (Dr. Blackburn). The quarterly periodical is intended for all those with an interest in civil defence, including volunteers.

22. Mr. Gilroy Bevan

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to report to the House the results of his pilot study for improving regional civil defence co-ordination.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave earlier to the question from my hon. Friend the Member for Erewash (Mr. Rost).

50. Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he intends to establish a civil defence inspectorate to monitor local authority progress on civil defence.

64. Mr. Greenway

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he intends to establish a civil defence inspectorate in order to monitor local authority progress on civil defence; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Not at present: the planned programme for implementation of the 1983 regulations, issued to local authorities on 30 October this year as Home Office Circular ES 1/1986, provides the framework for the Home Office civil defence adviser and other officials to monitor progress.

53. Mr. Evennett

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is considering setting maximum complements for local authority civil defence staff.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

No, but officials will discuss staff resources as part of the annual discussion with county level authorities within the framework of the new planned programme for implementation of the 1983 regulations as set out in Home Office circular ES 1/1986, a copy of which is in the Library.