Dr. John CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will envoke the provisions of the Emergency Powers Act 1920 to assist communities in Cumbria and Copeland if there is a further deterioration in the weather in the immediate future; and if he will make a statement. [14814]
§ Mr. Curry[holding answer 12 February 1996]: It is the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary to invoke the provisions of the Emergency Powers Act 1920. It is not clear what authorities in Cumbria might gain if these powers were to be called upon and my right hon. Friend therefore has no plans to ask my right hon. and learned Friend to invoke them as a consequence of the weather conditions in Cumbria.