HL Deb 01 February 2001 vol 621 cc77-8WA
Lord Hanningfield

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they can ensure a co-ordinated approach between the emergency services and local authorities during periods of national or local crisis. [HL525]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

This country deals with major incidents by a local response, only resorting to mutual aid or national support in the most extreme situations.

The Home Office promotes the principles of Integrated Emergency Management, under which all organisations likely to be involved in the response, including the emergency services and local authorities, share their plans and participate in strategic meetings, joint exercises and training.

This approach cannot, in itself, ensure a co-ordinated approach but encourages organisations to work towards this goal.