§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) whether he will consider proposing international action to improve the level of training and co-ordination of rescue teams dispatched to major disasters, in the light of recent experience in Armenia;
(2) if he has any plans to improve the level of training, co-ordination and equipment for British rescue teams, in the light of recent experience in the earthquake rescue operation in Armenia.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe expertise of the relief teams in Armenia was impressive and they had the best equipment that they could take with them. Co-ordination was in the hands of the Soviet authorities. But I am considering all aspects of the international relief operation to see whether lessons can be learnt for future emergencies.