§ Sir Raymond PowellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the review of the future role of local civil protection in England and Wales to be completed. [38829]
§ Mr. George HowarthA working document "The future role and funding of local civil protection in England and Wales" was issued in November 1997 as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review in the Home Office.
Her Majesty's Government are considering the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review across all Government Departments. I can confirm that approval has been given for the development of National Standards 533W for civil protection which local authorities and other primary stakeholders will be consulted upon in due course.