Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what account he has taken of developments in East-West relations in reviewing his policy on the building of civil emergency centres by county and district councils.
§ Mr. John Patten[holding answer 12 January 1990]: The Government keep under review their civil defence planning assumptions in the light of the possible threat of hostilities. Such assumptions must take into account military capabilities as well as likely intentions and the climate of relations between East and West. In the present rapidly changing situation it would be premature and irresponsible to reduce our basic preparedness for ensuring the protection of the population and the continuity of government in war.