HC Deb 03 July 1986 vol 100 cc626-7W
Mr. Evans

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why no medical personnel from the St. Helens and Knowsley district health authority were included, or were part of, the emergency services who participated in Operation Cloudburst following an incident at Hays Chemicals Ltd., St. Helens, on Saturday 28 June.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I understand that ambulance officers in attendance were able to deal with the incident without seeking further aid.

Mr. Evans

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Merseyside as to why the police denied councillors access to their constituents who reside in the area adjacent to Hays Chemicals Ltd., St. Helens, following an incident at the plant which necessitated the declaration of Operation Cloudburst on Saturday 28 June.

Mr. Giles Shaw

The area referred to was threatened by a cloud of sulphuric acid vapour following a leak at the plant. I understand the police advised the public, including some local councillors, not to enter the area for their own protection.

Mr. Evans

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the efficiency of the emergency services which participated in Operation Cloudburst following an incident at Hays Chemicals Ltd., St. Helens, on Saturday 28th June.

Mr. Giles Shaw

Yes. I understand that by rapid implementation of their contingency plans, the emergency services contained this incident quickly and effectively.

Mr. Evans

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why no officers of the metropolitan borough of St. Helen were included in the emergency services who participated in Operation Cloudburst following an incident at Hays Chemicals Ltd., St. Helens, on Saturday 28 June.

Mr. Giles Shaw

The initial response to any emergency is made by the fire brigade, ambulance service and police, as appropriate. Others need to be involved only when there is a specific contribution for them to make.

Mr. Evans

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department which individual was in overall control of the emergency services in St. Helens on Saturday 28 June following the declaration of Operation Cloudburst following an incident at Hays Chemicals, St. Helens; and if he will make a statement on the implications for emergency service cover to other chemical plants in the area.

Mr. Giles Shaw

In accordance with normal practice, the emergency services' response was co-ordinated by the senior police officer present, the divisional chief superintendent. As to the implications for emergency service cover for other plants in the area, the speed and efficiency of their response in this case demonstrated the effectiveness of their normal contingency plan for this sort of incident.