§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding funding for dealing with the aftermath of disasters; and if he will make a statement on the responsibilities exercised by his Department in this area. [15615]
§ Mr. SackvilleNone. The Home Office provides some funding to local authorities in England and Wales to assist them in their planning for major disasters—including peacetime disasters—however caused. But representations about the availability of funding to assist those authorities to deal with a disaster after it has happened should be made to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.
§ Mr. JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list all emergency plans sponsored by local authorities during the last five years; and if he will make a statement on what plans he has to assist councils to retain emergency teams following the reorganisation of local government. [15616]
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Home Office encourages local authorities to develop flexible emergency management arrangements which are capable of responding to any incident; but we do not require them to submit copies of the plans which they have made.
We have issued guidance to the new authorities suggesting how they might wish to approach planning for emergencies in the new situation created by the reorganisation of local government. Members of the Department's emergency planning division have also visited them to discuss the new arrangements.