§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is the current projected National Health Service bed requirement for armed forces casualties arising from future war in Europe;
(2) what recent steps he has taken to assess the adequacy of existing arrangements for the reception by the National Health Service of armed forces casualties arising from any future war in Europe.
§ Mr. FreemanThe projected workload for the National Health Service in the event of war in Europe is the subject of continuing joint civil/military medical planning between officials of the Department, the Minister of Defence and Health Service emergency planning staff. Details of military casualty estimates are classified.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place a copy of his guidance to the National Health Service on stockpiling medical supplies for emergencies and war in the Library.
§ Mr. FreemanAs indicated at paragraph 3.14 of health circular HC(88)31, "Emergency Planning in the NHS: Health Service Responsibilities in Civil Defence," possible arrangements for stockpiling against emergencies—in addition to existing holdings—taking account of shelf life, location and transport are currently being examined with a view to rationalisation and the issue of further guidance. Officials will report when details have been fully worked out.