HC Deb 05 December 1990 vol 182 cc116-7W
Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met local authority representatives to discuss the role of local authorities in the energency response to an accident involving the rail transportation of hazardous chemicals; if he will detail that role; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

My right hon. Friend has not had the opportunity to meet with local authority representatives to discuss this specific matter. However, Mr. Brook, the Home Office civil emergencies adviser, has had, and will continue to have, discussions with the local authorities about their response to a whole range of civil emergencies.

Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements exist to protect the general public from possible off-site consequences of an accident involving the rail transportation of hazardous chemicals.

Mr. John Patten

The off-site consequences arising from such an accident are dealt with by the emergency services in consultation with the local authority and sources of specialist advice on chemical toxicity.