Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent discussions the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has had with (a) the Home Department, (b) the Department of Health and (c) telephone companies about the potential vulnerability to flooding of the emergency services communication lines.

The vulnerability of communications, including those used by emergency services, to flooding is part of the National Flood Resilience Review, alongside the vulnerability of other utilities and public services. This review, led by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is wide ranging, involving conversations with multiple government departments, including the Home Office and Department of Health as well as infrastructure operators. A report on progress is scheduled to be published in the summer.