HC Deb 25 November 1988 vol 142 cc61-2W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement regarding the current guidance issued to local authorities regarding the disposal of the dead in war; and if he intends to issue revised guidance;

(2) what reserves of equipment and chemicals are held by his Department for distribution to local authorities to assist in the disposal of the dead in the event of war; and if he will make a statement;

(3) if his Department has carried out or commissioned research into the psychological problems likely to be encountered by those involved in mass burials in the event of war; and if he will make a statement;

(4) what advice is being offered by his Department to London local authorities regarding the disposal of dead bodies in the event of nuclear war;

(5) what discussions have taken place between his Department and religious leaders regarding the disposal of bodies in mass graves in the event of nuclear war; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Currie

Government advice concerning the disposal of the dead in war, including nuclear war, is contained in section 10 of the Home Office publication "Emergency Planning Guidance to Local Authorities" issued in 1985. A copy is available in the Library. The "Handbook on Environmental Health" to which reference is made in part 5 of the DHSS health circular (88)31—"Emergency Planning in the NHS: Health Service Responsibilities in Civil Defence"—issued in July 1988, is currently the subject of consultation. This handbook which is concerned with environmental health in war, has been prepared by an outside consultant and it contains advice on the prevention of the spread of disease and the promotion of community health. The handbook includes a chapter dealing with the disposal of the dead and also takes account of the emotional and social stress which might be caused by mass casualties. A copy will be placed in the Library on publication.

There is no central reserve of equipment or chemicals held by the Department to assist in the disposal of the dead. There have been no discussions between leaders of religious denominations and this Department on the disposal of bodies in mass graves.