HC Deb 17 May 2004 vol 421 cc720-1W
Patrick Mercer

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office whether he has created a working group to consider how to issue advice to individual households within the UK. [170054]

Mr. Alexander

A number of working groups have been established to develop the regulations and guidance which will accompany the Civil Contingencies Bill. These working groups are convened by the Cabinet Office, and include members from across the civil protection community. One of these working groups is considering those parts of the legislation covering awareness, warning and informing the public. Full details of these working groups were outlined in the Civil Contingencies Bill update letter to key stakeholders on 2 April 2004, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. A copy of the letter is also available at www.ukresilience.info

Patrick Mercer

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has to issue advice to households in the UK detailing how to plan for and cope with a terrorist attack. [170127]

Mr. Alexander

As part of a deliberate strategy by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, an increasing amount of information and advice has been and will continue to be made available to the public about what to do in an emergency, including a terrorist attack.

Public safety is our first priority in all decisions about public information or warnings. If a warning is necessary to protect public safety in the face of a specific and credible threat, we will issue one without hesitation, as well as giving out any further information that will help the public respond effectively.

The Government and the emergency services will provide immediate information and advice in the event of a discernible threat or a specific incident.

There is a wide range of advice and information on the terrorism section of the Home Office website at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/terrorism, at www.ukresilience.gov.uk and on the MI5 website at www.mi5.gov.uk

Government continue to review the best way to keep the public informed and consider alternatives as part of our wider package of information to the public accordingly.