§ Charlotte AtkinsTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what responses he has received to the recent discussion document on the future of emergency planning in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [35593]
§ Mr. LeslieOver 260 responses to the discussion document were received, of which over half were from local government. Copies of the responses have been placed in the Library together with a summary analysis of them by the Civil Contingencies Secretariat. This summary will also be placed on the secretariat's website, www.ukresilience. info. I am working with officials to develop proposals on the next steps, including the need for new legislation in this field. This will be done in consultation with local government and other stakeholder groups and we will take full account of the points made in the course of debate on the Civil Defence (Grant) Bill. I shall keep the House fully informed of the progress of this important exercise.