§ Baroness Gardner of Parkesasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the outcome of the study into regional co-ordination of home defence planning undertaken in the North West.
The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)My right honourable friend the Home Secretary has received a report on the study, and has today placed in the Library a summary of its main finding.
The study has identified a number of deficiencies in the co-ordination of home defence planning at 1161WA regional level, and proposals are made for improvements. In the light of this study, and with the continuing support of other departments, it has been decided that a small centrally led team should be established whose aim will be to improve co-ordination of planning in each region, drawing on and extending the work of the original study. Under these arrangements, responsibility for writing plans would remain with individual authorities, departments and public utilities at the local level, but the team will provide additional guidance, working through existing emergency planning fora.
My right honourable friend has asked officials to put the arrangements into effect as soon as possible and to consult with interested parties at national and local level.