§ Patrick MercerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what terrorist contingency planning advice is available to schools and headteachers via the recently updated Teachernet website; [155677]
(2)how much funding was provided for (a) the recent updates to the Teachernet website and (b) educating schools and head teachers on contingency planning for terrorist attacks; [155678]
(3) what terrorist contingency planning advice is available for schools. [155679]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeSpecific detailed Government advice on terrorism is provided by the Home Office. The Teachernet website provides a link to their site. I refer my hon. Friend toOfficial Report, 5 February 2004, column 1033W for the cost of producing the emergency planning website on Teachernet. The purpose of the site was always to provide advice to schools, in one place, about drawing up an emergency plan for all types of emergencies and primarily on how to cope with the sudden death of a pupil. In an emergency, head teachers know that they should dial 999 and the emergency services will then take control of the situation. Local authorities have responsibility for emergency planning at local level and that includes schools.