Civil Defence ‘can improve’

Press, 17 March 1987, Page 1

Civil Defence ‘can improve’

PA Wellington Some local authorities will be unable to provide people with reasonable protection in civil emergencies, said the Minister of Civil Defence, Mr Tapsell, yesterday. He said he was “far from satisfied” with the planning for emergencies at regional and local levels, and dissatisfied with the response of some local authorities to Civil Defence development. “It needs to be said again and again that Civil Defence is primarily a responsibility of local and regional territorial authorities,” Mr Tapsell said at a Civil Defence planning seminar in Marton.

“It is the responsibility of each local authority to make provision for an initial and co-ordinated response to a civil emer-

gency in its area, rnose local authorities which are failing to do this are failing in their duty.” Mr Tapsell said that some local bodies had "done very well indeed” with Civil Defence plans, basic facilities, and frameworks which could be activated quickly.

"Some others are simply hiding their heads in the sand. In the event of an emergency they will be unable to provide reasonable protection for their people and will be very much dependent on their neighbours.” Mr Tapsell said that in 2i/ 2 years as Minister — covering seven emergencies — there had been a steady improvement. “We still have a long way to go. There are areas where we can improve our response a great deal,” Mr Tapsell said.