§ Baroness Blatchasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are their future intentions for the provision and maintenance of the National Attack Warning System; and [HL3585]
Further to the statement by Lord Burlison on 5 May (H.L. Deb., cols. 680) that the National Attack Warning System is expected to be ready by the end of this financial year, whether the procedures and trained personnel are ready to bring the system into effect; and [HL3586]
What level of funding has been allocated in each of the current and subsequent years for maintenance, development and modernisation of the National Attack Warning System; and [HL3587]
Whether the United Kingdom will have a National Attack Warning System to warn the public of attack, which is capable of use for war and peacetime emergencies; and [HL3588]
Whether they intend to validate, by exercise, a National Attack Warning System; and, if so, when. [HL3589]
§ Lord Williams of MostynWe remain committed to the implementation of the final elements of the system in the current financial year. My officials will meet shortly with representatives of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to discuss options for achieving this in the most cost effective way. The procedures and trained personnel necessary to activate the system are not in place. However, these issues will also be considered at the meeting.
Details of the resources allocated to the development and maintenance of the system during the period covered by the Comprehensive Spending Review are given in the table. However, as the system will be completed in the course of the current financial year, it is unlikely that there will be any need for capital funding in subsequent years.
It is technically possible to use the system for peacetime emergencies. However, it is not our intention to do so. A study of possible scenarios for peacetime disasters shows that, with the possible exception of flooding, they occur with no prior warning, the immediate effects are local, but may spread to neighbouring areas. The procedures for alerting the public should therefore expand progressively from the area local to the incident using well-rehearsed arrangements with the regional radio and television networks.
98WAWe shall consider what actions need to be taken to validate the system in consultation with the BBC and other government departments.
Funding Allocated to National Attack Warning System 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 Capital £794,000 £794,000 £794,000 Running Costs £382,000 £382,000 £382,000
§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many members of the Territorial Army have resigned in the last 12 months, how many have not completed their 12 months' training; and what is the position of members of the TA who are injured or become ill as a result of their service with regard to their life, medical and mortgage protection insurances. [HL3494]
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Gilbert)During the period 1 June 1998 to 31 May 1999, 511 officers voluntarily retired from the TA and 392 soldiers left at their own request. Records are not held on the number of TA who have left within the last 12 months and who have not, therefore, qualified for bounty. However, some 29,000 TA personnel have so far qualified for their bounty for the training year 1998–99.
TA personnel are eligible for benefits if they are injured or become ill for reasons attributable to their service. Personal life, medical and mortgage protection insurance remain the responsibility of the individual.