§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will introduce(a) a programme of emergency loans for businesses affected by disaster and (b) a disaster-planning unit to produce disaster plans for foreseeable disasters. [37590]
§ Mr. LeslieAdvice to businesses on handling emergencies and planning for business continuity is available on the website www.ukresilience.info. The Government advice is that individual businesses should ensure that they are adequately insured.
In addition, the Government have asked the Small Business Service (SBS) to undertake an analysis of the existing financial support from the public and private sector for small businesses affected by disaster. Working with HM Treasury the SBS are identifying current market provision and will report back to Government with its findings and recommendations.
The Civil Contingencies Secretariat in the Cabinet Office is co-ordinating the work being done in support of the Civil Contingencies Committee's current comprehensive review of the country's plans for dealing with emergencies.