§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what have been the estimated costs of(a) emergency planning and (b) other operations undertaken by local authorities in connection with events following the 11 September terrorist attacks; if additional costs will be supported by central Government; and if he will make a statement. [13843]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 9 November 2001]: Central Government have not required local authorities to do any additional emergency planning work since 11 September, but immediately reminded them that they should ensure that their emergency arrangements, including contact details, are up to date. No information is held centrally on 'other operations' which may have been undertaken by local authorities following 11 September attacks.
Subsequently, in October a "Response to the Deliberate Release of Chemicals and Biological Agents—Guidance for Local Authorities" was issued. As with any guidance issued, it inevitably requires local authorities to review their emergency arrangements, and probably revise some aspects of their plans, but this does not attract significant additional costs.