§ Mr. Terlezkiasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many civil defence shelters have been built by local authorities between 1970 to 1975, 1975 to 1980, and 1980 to 1985 (a) in Wales, (b) in South Wales, (c) in Cardiff, (d) in Scotland, and (e) in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThere is no statutory requirement for such provision, and information is not kept centrally. So far as can be ascertained the answer is none.
Local authorities in Great Britain are required under the 1983 regulations to make plans for the use of buildings and other structures as public shelter. Progress is variable, and a pilot study is being undertaken in eight areas to test how best this might be achieved.
§ Mr. Terlezkiasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider introducing legislation to provide for the local planning authorities to require that all new houses include a civil defence shelter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe Government's plans for the protection of the population include the improvement by the public of the protection already afforded by their own homes, and the utilisation, by local authorities, of buildings and other structures for public shelter. These plans are kept under review, but there are no proposals for change at present.