§ Mr. FrancoisTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has to introduce new framework legislation on emergency planning; and if he will make a statement. [71184]
§ Mr. AlexanderMy right hon. Friend Lord Macdonald of Tradeston is chairing a sub-committee of the Civil Contingencies Committee to press forward with work on laying the foundations of a Civil Contingencies Bill. The first meeting of the committee was held on 17 July 2002. A wide range of stakeholders will be involved in the agreed work programme, including those from relevant Government Departments, their agencies and non-departmental public bodies, the devolved Administrations, the local authorities, the emergency services, the private sector and outside organisations.
The Government plan to introduce new legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows.