§ Llew SmithTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what additional resources he plans to make available for emergency planning officers in local authorities to deal with planning for civil contingencies arising from terrorist attacks (a) on nuclear installations and (b) using dirty radiological bombs. [184391]
§ Mr. BoatengAs my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his statement of 12 July, the Government will double the contribution previously allocated to the Civil Defence Grant from £20 million to £40 million from 2005–06. This will further enhance the capacity of local authorities to carry out emergency planning in response to a wide range of civil contingencies. The funding will be provided through an increase to Formula Spending Share for local authorities through the EPCS (Environmental, Protective and Cultural Services) block.