To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what (a) decontamination equipment and (b) provisions for the shelter of victims of terrorist attack and how many (i) boiler suits and (ii) thermal blankets he will make available to Wycombe firefighters under the New Dimensions proposals. [110204]
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's New Dimension programme will provide 80 special purpose vehicles for carrying mass decontamination equipment. These Incident Response vehicles will carry decontamination units, each capable of decontaminating large numbers of people and ancillary equipment, including temporary clothing for affected members of the public. This equipment will be deployed flexibly, on the basis of a comprehensive analysis of risk, to meet the needs of all fire authorities, including Wycombe firefighters. The new equipment being purchased includes 4,400 additional gas tight suits, doubling the fire service capability, to enable firefighters to work safely. The new decontamination Disrobe and Re-robe packs contain insulated clothing which provides good protection from inclement weather.