§ Mr. Paul KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his Department's(a) responsibilities and (b) assets with regard to civil contingency planning; what funds are committed; what action he is taking within his Department to improve such planning; and what action he is taking in collaboration with other departments. [102630]
§ Peter HainI refer the hon. Member to the answer he received from the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, on 21 March 2003,Official Report, column 958W, which explains the cross-Government arrangements for civil contingency planning. Detailed plans for Wales are the responsibility of the lead Department (which will be the National Assembly for Wales in respect of transferred functions). My Department works with both the Civil Contingencies Secretariat and the Assembly to facilitate this process.