§ 72. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether up-to-date advice is given to, and consultation held with, local authorities, police and other services on the clearing of snow and ice and relief of dislocation and distress resulting there-from, and from ensuing flooding; what elected person or official has been designated in administrative counties or other areas to initiate and co-ordinate the work and request the aid of the Armed Forces and Civil Defence; whether he is satisfied with present arrangements; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeGovernment Departments are in close and continuous touch with local authorities, and are always ready to give advice and assistance. It is for each authority to make its own arrangements for co-ordinating the efforts of the various services. The local authorities have liaison with units of the Armed Forces, and themselves directly control civil defence. Throughout the icy spell local authorities generally have done a good job in the face of quite exceptional difficulties. The arrangements to cope with severe conditions will, of course, be reviewed by the Government in the light of this winter's experience, to see whether further improvements are practicable.