HC Deb 09 December 2002 vol 396 cc111-2W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funds have been allocated for the next financial year to cover CBW civil contingency planning in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [83532]

Mr. Blunkett

[holding answer 3 December 2002]: Several Departments have responsibilities relating to management of the consequences of chemical and biological attacks, and these Departments are obliged to plan for carrying out those responsibilities. Like all civil contingencies work, this planning is part of Departments' mainstream activity and spending. The different elements of the response to a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) incident are well co-ordinated and are regularly exercised to ensure their effectiveness.

My right hon. Friend (John Denham), Minister of State in the Home Office, is responsible for co-ordinating efforts to improve the United Kingdom's ability to respond to CBRN attacks, and is supported in this by the Home Office CRBN Team.