Civil Defence

Mr. Banks
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes any changes in civil defence policy; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Whitelaw
I am considering how the present arrangements might be improved.

Mr. Banks
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out the expenditure at the constant 1979 value on civil defence for each of the previous 11 years, the current year and the expected budget for 1980–81.

Mr. Whitelaw
Home defence expenditure for Great Britain in the years 1974–75 to 1978–79 was as follows: ---------
|Year   |
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|1974–75|
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|1975–76|
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|1976–77|
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|1977–78|
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|1978–79|
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The estimated outturn for 1979–80 is £32·9 million which includes £13 million to replenish the food stockpile. The  estimated expenditure for 1980–81 is £22·9 million.Details of expenditure for earlier years, updated to 1979 survey prices, could be provided only at disproportionate cost.