HC Deb 14 May 2003 vol 405 cc277-8W
12. Angela Watkinson

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what funding arrangements are in place to enable the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority to prepare for terrorist attacks in London. [112952]

Mr. Raynsford

The London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority is one of the functional bodies of the Greater London Authority and its annual budget is part of that set by the Mayor for the GLA.

Central Government funding for the LFEPA is generally provided through the Local Government Finance Settlement for the GLA. The 2003–04 Settlement gives the GLA just over £2 billion, an increase of £95 million or 4.9 per cent. on 2002-03 on a like for like basis.

The LFEPA also benefits from the New Dimension programme to enhance the national mass decontamination capability. This will bring an extra 400 gas-tight suits for fire-fighters, 10 new purpose built vehicles and 20 mass decontamination units available to meet London's needs.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is also working closely with London Fire Brigade to improve their current CBRN response capability through the purchase of new personal protective equipment and detection equipment—which Government will fund directly.