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Flood and Water Management Bill

I want to deal with some of the details, as that might answer a few of the issues that the hon. Gentleman wants to raise. The roles of the fire and rescue authorities are already defined. With regard to responding to emergencies, they have specific duties in relation to fires, road traffic accidents, mass decontamination and urban search and rescue. In addition, under section 11 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, they have the power to prepare to deal with the many other emergencies that may affect their area. If it is concluded that flooding is a risk in an area, and that it has the potential for harm, the fire and rescue authority has the power to secure resources to enable it to respond. One effect of that permissive power is that some fire and rescue authorities have procured boats for the rescue of people trapped by floods. My hon. Friend also raised the interesting point that an amendment could be introduced later in another place. I should be pleased to discuss the matter with him and other colleagues, as well as with members of the Fire Brigades Union executive, whom I am always happy to meet. However, I am not sure that all hon. Members are aware that a power already exists, in section 9 of the 2004 Act, to direct the flood response of fire and resilience authorities. The power allows the Secretary of State, by order and following consultation, to place a duty on fire and rescue authorities to respond to particular types of emergencies. Therefore, the power that my hon. Friend may be thinking about seeking, either here or in another place, already exists. We already have a project under way. Sir Michael Pitt said a new power might be needed to fill a statutory gap "if necessary". My point is that we already have such a power if, on completion of the project, we are minded to use it.