Written question asked by Bernard Jenkin (Conservative) on Wednesday, 20 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 27 November 2002. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 27 November 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what special training has been given to civilian firefighters to work with the armed services in the event of chemical, biological or radiological attack against the United Kingdom; and whether such skills are shared by service personnel substituting for civilian firefighters on strike. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what special training has been given to civilian firefighters to work with the armed services in the event of chemical, biological or radiological attack against the United Kingdom; and whether such skills are shared by service personnel substituting for civilian firefighters on strike. [82903] Mr. Ingram: The Ministry of Defence has no responsibility for the training given to civilian firefighters. During periods of industrial action, armed forces personnel will provide emergency fire and rescue cover. This will include a capability to handle hazardous materials and decontamination. Other contingency plans are in place for responding to a chemical, biological or radiological attack.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 82903; 395 c327-8W;395 c327W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Armed forces Chemical and biological warfare Chemical weapons Biological weapons Civil defence Industrial disputes Emergencies Fire and rescue services Nuclear weapons Terrorism Training Strikes
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk