§ Ms. RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the regional emergency committees will be activated during the military home defence exercises Eastern Shield, Capital Guard, Drake's Drum, Autumn Tiger, Northern Crusade, Western Encounter, Triple Crown and Strong Link, due to take place in September and October 1988; whether he will describe liaison arrangements between his Department and the Association of Chief Police Officers through the Police War Duties Committee in relation to these exercises; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenOfficials have discussed the arrangements for these exercises with chief officers of police. It is a matter for individual chief officers to determine whether, and to what extent, their forces should participate. The question of participation by regional emergency committees is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.