§ Mr. Damian GreenTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions his Department has had with each local education authority in England with regard to the provision of guidance for a possible terrorist attack. [89366]
§ Mr. Stephen TwiggMy Department continues to work closely with the Cabinet Office and Home Office on what additional advice local authorities and schools need in order to safeguard pupils, staff and property. Local474W authorities, which have direct responsibility for contingency and emergency planning, will be able to use such advice to determine policy in their locality, including what should be said specifically to schools. To date, no local education authority has asked the Department about this. We have previously provided advice and guidance for authorities and schools collectively on school security generally (www.dfes.gov.uk/schoolsecurity), and specific guidance following the events of September 11 (www.dfes.gov.uk/septll guidance).