§ Gregory BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from(a) the St John's Ambulance and (b) the Red Cross concerning contingency civil defence (i) planning and (ii) readiness in the event of an NBC terrorist attack in (A) London, (B) the South East, (C) England and (D) the United Kingdom. [96252]
§ Mr. BlunkettI have received no representations from the St John's Ambulance or the Red Cross concerning any aspect of civil contingency planning or preparedness.
1094WMy hon friend the Minister of State in the Cabinet Office, (Mr Alexander) has provided further details of how voluntary organisations have been involved in civil defence preparedness, Official Report, column 495W.
I am aware that my rt hon friend the Secretary of State for Health met Sir Nicholas Young, the British Red Cross Chief Executive, on 7 January this year to discuss ways of strengthening and deepening strategic partnerships between the Department of Health and the Red Cross. There are a number of key common interests including emergency response. Work on these common interests continues. The Department of Health is also closely involved in the work of the National Aid Societies' Emergency Committee (NVASEC) which comprises the Red Cross and St John Ambulance. NVASEC has responsibility for planning such requirements as may be agreed with the Government for the provision of support to the medical services of the Armed Forces, the Health Service of Local Authorities in all encompassing peace time and wartime support role.