§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the adequacy of the emergency services to cope with any emergency at Manchester Airport; what recent test has been made of the adequacy of these services; which local hospitals and other premises would be involved in the case of a major emergency at the airport; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. AlisonWe are concerned with medical arrangements for dealing with major accidents. Regional hospital boards are responsible for planning these arrangements in consultation with other authorities and bodies concerned.
An exercise to test local arrangements was undertaken in December, 1970, in co-operation with the airport authorities and police, fire and ambulance authorities. A large-scale exercise was also carried out on 13th June last; this involved the airport authorities and police, fire and ambulance authorities of the relevant parts of Cheshire as well as Manchester. Points arising from this exercise will be discussed by the various bodies concerned.
The main hospital which has a major accident plan for the airport is Withington Hospital. Supporting hospitals are Manchester Royal Infirmary, Stockport Infirmary, Stepping Hill Hospital, Altrinc-ham Hospital and Wythenshawe and Baguley Hospitals for chest injuries.