§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what changes he plans to(a) make and (b) discuss with his ministerial colleagues on the funding for local authorities in relation to their enhanced civil defence responsibilities. [44978]
§ Mr. LeslieThere have been no recent changes in the civil defence and emergency planning responsibilities of local authorities. The Government have decided to allocate a total of £18.97 million to local authorities in civil defence grant for 2002–03. Figures for subsequent years will be settled as part of this year's spending review.