HC Deb 28 February 1994 vol 238 cc587-8W
Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the need for a national public alert system, and of the cost of establishing one; and what provisions currently exist for a public alert system.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The then Home Secretary, my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Rushcliffe (Mr. Clarke), announced on 12 November 1992 that the national siren warning system was to be closed and that future warning arrangements would be based around television and radio broadcasts. Such arrangements already exist and studies are being carried out to see what enhancements may be required and at what cost.

Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has made on the future of emergency planning and public alert systems as part of the local government review.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

In response to a request from the Local Government Commission for England, my officials have recently written to suggest that while firm arrangements must depend on local government structures finally adopted, it will be important that those who provide local services are able to be linked with a coherent strategic framework that can ensure an effective response to major emergencies.

Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which agencies are currently responsible for emergency planning and the provision of public alert systems.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

Responsibility for emergency planning lies across many parts of central and local government with a wide range of agencies and with the private sector. This is why the Home Office promotes the concept of integrated emergency management.

My Department has a specific responsibility for the provision of national air attack warning on which studies are in hand to establish whether enhanced arrangements are necessary.