HC Deb 19 June 1990 vol 174 c544W
78. Mr. David Davis

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance his Department has given in the past 12 months to the civil community.

89. Mr. Dunn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what emergency assistance his Department has given in the past 12 months to the civil community.

Mr. Hamilton

In general, responsibility for providing emergency assistance to the civil community in the United Kingdom lies with the civil authorities. If required the Ministry of Defence is able to provide further assistance through a variety of means. Search and rescue teams are regularly in action and there is frequent small-scale co-operation between civil and military authorities.

In the United Kingdom during the last year, larger-scale service assistance was provided during the periods of severe weather in January and February. The services also provided temporary accident and emergency cover during the civilian ambulance services dispute.