Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the responsibilities are for dealing with civil emergencies of each of the devolved administrations; and if he will make a statement.

The primary responsibility for emergency planning in the UK sits with local responders who form the basic building block of the response to most emergencies.

Where an emergency occurs in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland and falls within the competence of the relevant devolved administration, they will lead the response in their territory reporting through the relevant minister to the devolved legislature.

The relevant UK central government territorial department will usually be the first point of contact with the relevant devolved administration.

Where an emergency occurs in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland but competence lies with the UK Parliament, the relevant UK government department will lead the response, liaising closely with the affected devolved administration(s) as appropriate.