HC Deb 27 November 2000 vol 357 cc414-5W
21. Mr. Blizzard

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contingency plans his Department has made for the armed forces to provide assistance to communities affected by flooding. [138593]

24. Mrs. Lawrence

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contingency plans his Department has made for the armed forces to provide assistance to communities affected by flooding. [138597]

Mr. Spellar

Armed forces support to communities threatened by flooding or other natural disasters is provided through contacts between local military headquarters, the emergency services, and local authorities, using tried and tested procedures. Local commanders have the authority to respond immediately to requests for assistance if they believe lives to be in danger, or if the emergency services have no alternative to military assistance. These procedures worked very effectively during the recent floods with more than 60 units of the armed forces providing support to the emergency services in 15 different counties. In addition, personnel from TA units also provided valuable assistance.

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