§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he has issued to local authorities about emergency planning during the forthcoming Christmas and new year period. [100583]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienLocal authorities are expected to have generic emergency management arrangements. Recognising the unique features of this period, the Home Office has issued two additional guidance documents to local authorities and has made a major contribution to a range of Millennium specific seminars and workshops. In addition, a Millennium version of the "Exercise planners guide" was issued in January 1999.
§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the state of readiness of local authorities' emergency plans for the period by Christmas 1999 and new year 2000. [100582]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienEach local authority is responsible for determining its own emergency planning arrangements. It should be able to respond effectively to any emergency at any time. However, the Home Office visited a range of local authorities to discuss the unique aspects of the Millennium date change period. On the basis of those visits, we are informed that local authorities are prepared for the period.