§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many representations his Department has received calling for the repeal of existing legislation imposing specific civil defence duties on local authorities; and if he will list them.
§ Mr. John PattenDuring the las six months the Home Office has received 16 representations from Members of Parliament, local authorities and other organisations calling specifically for the repeal of existing legislation imposing civil defence duties on local authorities.
§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many representations his Department has received calling for the preparation of a new Act of Parliament which would impose duties upon appropriate public and private sector organisations to undertake comprehensive emergency planning for peacetime disasters and accidents; and if he will list them.
§ Mr. John PattenMy right hon. and learned Friend has asked the civil emergencies adviser to assess local authority requirements for effective peacetime emergency planning. I understand that the adviser has received a number of representations, which are being treated in confidence.