Written question asked by Michael Fallon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 5 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 March 2003. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Monday, 10 March 2003 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Cabinet Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent guidance on emergency planning has been issued to local authorities. - Inc ref to 3 February 2003, 399 c3WS and 'The Decontamination of people exposed to chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) substances or material: Strategic National Guidance, 'Dealing with Disaster' and 'Response to the deliberate release of chemicals and biological agents: guidance to local authorities'.

Answer: Mr. Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent guidance on emergency planning has been issued to local authorities. [102134] Mr. Alexander: I have been asked to reply. The most recent guidance issued to local authorities, emergency services and other responding agencies on emergency planning was `The Decontamination of people exposed to chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) substances or material: Strategic National Guidance'. Its publication was announced in a Written Ministerial Statement by the Minister of State for the Home Department (Mr. Denham), on 3 February 2003, Official Report, column 3WS. `Dealing with Disaster' (3rd Edition) is currently being revised and will be published by the middle of this year. This forms the core guidance to local authorities and other responders for emergency planning and response to all types of emergencies. Guidance on the `Response to the deliberate release of chemicals and biological agents: guidance to local authorities' was issued in October 2001 by the Cabinet Office. This is currently being updated by the Home Office and will be re-issued in the next two months.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 102134; 401 c69W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Codes of practice Disasters Emergencies Local government Planning Terrorism
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk