§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions since 11 September 2001, what assessments have taken place on the capability of regional and city disaster plans and the engagement of the(a) emergency planning committees, (b) police service, (c) fire brigade, (d) ambulance service, (e) hospitals and NHS trusts, (f) St. John Ambulance, (g) British Red Cross, (h) Territorial Army, (i) armed forces and (j) local authorities in these plans. [36721]
§ Mr. LeslieI have been asked to reply.
As the Prime Minister told the House on 8 October, since the terrible events of 11 September every one or our arrangements has been under scrutiny. For security reasons the Government do not publish contingency plans or the operational and procedural matters relating to them.
Local authorities have a power to plan and work together with other local agencies to formulate locally based, multi-agency emergency planning arrangements. Mutual aid arrangements will draw resources from further afield if necessary. Although the process started before 11 September, the Government are reviewing the Future of Emergency Planning in England and Wales. A summary of the responses to this consultation has been placed in the Library and on the Cabinet Office website (www.ukresilience).
1188WThe Civil Contingencies Secretariat in the Cabinet Office maintains regular contact with local authority representatives, the emergency services, emergency planning officers and others involved in handling civil emergencies.