HC Deb 07 January 2003 vol 397 cc76-7W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the recommendations arising out of the 1999 Integrated Contingency Planning exercise Brave Millennium have been accepted by his Department; what money has been spent to cover the cost of these commitments since 1999; what recommendations have not been accepted by his Department; what the basis was of such decisions; and if he will make a statement. [87796]

Mr. Ingram

Exercise Brave Millennium examined high-level aspects of integrated contingency planning, improving awareness of the key issues affecting the Ministry of Defence's ability to respond quickly and efficiently to any request for assistance from civil authorities.

As a result of the exercise 57 areas for further work were highlighted, some of it involving other Government Departments/agencies, such as the Home Office, the Police, and the Department of Health.

Most of that work has been completed and a number of actions taken. Many of these entailed the modification of existing processes and procedures. Work is in hand on a small number of outstanding issues. The expenditure involved is not recorded centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

The second Brave Millennium, held in March 2002, confirmed that improvements to integrated contingency planning processes had been made, while further improvements will result from the Strategic Defence Review New Chapter.