§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reasons were given to his Department by the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority for the closure of London's peacetime emergency control and communications centre; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenNo specific reasons were given to the Home Office by the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority for its decision to close the greater London emergency co-ordination centre. The Government's position was set out in the reply given to a question from the hon. Member on 31 March 1988 at column682.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to promote legislation to impose a duty upon local authorities to prepare plans for peacetime disasters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenI refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. McCrindle) on 15 December at column699.