§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what would be the length and nature of the warning to the population as a whole in the event of a Soviet ballistic missile attack on the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Douglas Hogg[holding Answer 2 November]: I have been asked to reply.
340WIn the event of a ballistic missile attack on the United Kingdom being detected by the ballistic missile early-warning station at RAF Fylingdales, an air attack warning would be issued immediately by the United Kingdom warning and monitoring organisation to the whole country. At least four minutes before impact of the missiles, the sirens would sound a distinctive rising and falling note for one minute and the public would be informed by radio broadcasts to take cover at once. Advice on the protective measures which the public should take on the issue of warnings has been prepared for publication in a period of international tension which might lead to war.