asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline his proposals for providing extra equipment for Civil Defence activities in 1986; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The specific provision for Civil Defence in 1986 in my Department's Vote is £1.71 million. Of this amount £632,000 is allocated for expenditure on equipment during the financial year. This allocation will facilitate the continued equipping with modern up-to-date equipment of the local authority-based Civil Defence organisation which comprises the Warden, Welfare, Rescue, Casualty and Auxiliary Fire Services. Major new and replacement items of equipment being purchased include radiac instruments, mobile welfare trailers, fire appliances, personnel and equipment vehicles and uniforms.

Can the Minister inform the House whether all local authorities, county council and corporations, have proper equipment in the event of nuclear fall-out or having to come to the rescue of the civilian population? Is he satisfied that the voluntary units throughout the country have sufficient equipment to provide adequate training and recruit more members into the Civil Defence?

That is probably a separate question.

With regard to the equipment for fall-out we are taking that in Priority Question No. 23. Does the Deputy wish to take the priority question now?

No.

With regard to the recruitment, there are 40,000 volunteers. Of that number 20,000 are active volunteers. There is no question of inhibiting people from becoming members of the Civil Defence. We are encouraging it. There is adequate equipment in the purchase of equipment this year. We have allocated money for new uniforms for the rescue, casualty and auxiliary fire services. All of the equipment is being purchased. That is done on a regular basis and we allocate it to areas which we believe have greatest need. We are in the process now of allocating items we have purchased to the various local authorities. We take recommendations from the various regions of their needs and when we purchase we allocate on the basis of greatest need.

Can the Minister confirm that all local authorities charged with the responsibility of protecting the local civilian population within their areas and jurisdiction have at least some equipment available for civil defence activities and rescue operations?

I have not got that information here but I can supply it to the Deputy.