§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Prime Minister which Government departments are responsible for(a) information on and (b) preparation against the use of radiological material as a terrorist device; and what expenditure on decontamination equipment there has been in the last two years. [157056]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Cabinet Office is responsible for crisis and consequence management co-ordination across central Government in the event of such a terrorist attack.
Information on and preparation against the use of radiological material by terrorists involves many Government Departments and agencies. Protective security against the use of radiological material as a terrorist device is the responsibility of the Home Office. International non-proliferation of radiological material for terrorist means is the responsibility of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
The other Departments and agencies that would have a role include the Department of Health; the Health Protection Agency (particularly the National Radiological Protection Board); the Ministry of Defence, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; the Health and Safety Executive; HM Customs and Excise; Department for Trade and Industry and the Department for Transport.
Over the past two years the Government have made available £54.4 million for investment in decontamination equipment for the Fire Service, Ambulance Service and Accident and Emergency Departments.