Written question asked by Patrick Mercer (Conservative) on Tuesday, 17 December 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 January 2003. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 January 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent tests have been conducted to establish the reaction time of the emergency services in the event of a terrorist attack.

Answer: Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent tests have been conducted to establish the reaction time of the emergency services in the event of a terrorist attack. [88408] Mr. Denham: In addition to regular training undertaken by the emergency services, the Home Office national counter-terrorist exercise programme is centred on three large-scale live exercises involving participants from Central Government, the police, military and specialist scientific or technical assistance if required.

Secondary information