Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase grants for use by local authorities' civil defence and emergency planning departments to respond to peacetime natural disasters or industrial accidents.
§ Mr. John PattenProvision for civil defence grant payable to local authorities has increased from £21.867 million in 1989–90 to £23.372 million in 1990–91. Under the Civil Protection in Peacetime Act 1986, local authorities may use civil defence resources in connection with emergencies and disasters occurring in peacetime.