To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services why Ministers have not yet approved for issue his Department's guidance for the organisation of the National Health Service in war; and if he will make a statement.

Ministers have already considered draft guidance on National Health Service responsibilities in civil defence and have asked for some amendments; an amended text has been considered by the Home Office, which has a co-ordinating role in emergency planning, and its advice will he taken into account in a further submission to Ministers.