Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will identify the terms of reference of work on(a) civil emergencies and (b) home defence planning carried out in his Department, the number of staff involved and the annual budgets for 1985–86, 1986–87 and 1987–88; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerMy Department has plans for various civil emergencies, and encourages and co-ordinates contingency planning by other public bodies with executive responsibilities. Home defence planning is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, and my Department participates in and contributes to planning in respect of Wales. Three members of staff are devoted full time to this work, and others participate from time to time as necessary.
My Department's budgets, in cash terms, for the last three years were as follows:
£ thousands 1985–86 103 1986–87 187 1987–88 413
Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will identify(a) liaison arrangements between his Department and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation civil emergency planning boards and committees, concerning civil emergency and home defence planning and (b) the extent of collaborative work carried out with these bodies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerLiaison between the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the United Kingdom Government in areas of Welsh Office responsibility is conducted through the Home Office.