§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects his working party's report with guidelines on public protection against chemical attack; if such guidelines will be made available to authorities charged with a duty to plan for the protection of the public in war; and if such guidelines will form the basis of advice for distribution to the general public.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggIn the absence of a ban on chemical weapons, the Government are conducting a variety of studies into their effects and protective measures against them. This work is continuing and consideration of guidance must await its outcome.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when authorities charged with a duty to plan for the protection of the public in war may expect guidance on the identification of suitable public places for shelter in war.
§ Mr. Douglas Hogg"Emergency Planning Guidance Handbook 2: Communal Shelters" was issued to local authorities in 1985. A pilot communal shelter survey has been undertaken in selected areas, and supplementary advice on survey methods will be issued in the new year.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the annual throughput of students at the Civil Defence College for each of the last five years.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe following numbers of persons attended courses and seminars at the Civil Defence College:
Number 1982 2,140 1983 2,710 1984 2,896 1985 2,868 1986 2,892