§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps have been taken to prevent disruption by fuel protests in Wales. [136614]
§ Mrs. LiddellI have been asked to reply.
My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary published on 29 September a memorandum of understanding signed by all members of the Fuel Supply Task Force aimed at putting in place more robust systems to avoid disruption of fuel supplies throughout the United Kingdom. He also made a statement to the House on 2 November 2000, the details of which are contained in the Official Report, columns 837–52.
My right hon. Friend the First Minister of the National Assembly for Wales is a member of the task force and a signatory of the memorandum and will continue to be fully involved in the task force's work.
§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many of the troops trained to drive fuel tankers in the event of fuel protests will be stationed in Wales. [136615]
§ Mr. SpellarI have been asked to reply.
Should the armed forces be asked to provide assistance, their precise disposition will be determined at the time in consultation with the relevant civil authorities. This will take into account a number of factors, in particular the relative need for military support for the delivery of fuel in different parts of the country.