Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 9 January 2008, Official Report, column 596W, on influenza, with which (a) public and (b) private sector bodies the Government have met at (i) the Business Forum and (ii) other ad hoc meetings to review the development of plans and disseminate good practice in the last 12 months; if he will provide details of the good practice being disseminated to these bodies; and if he will make a statement.
Answer
The Business Forum for pandemic influenza was formed by representatives of different business sectors, covering most areas of the Critical National Infrastructure. It has now been superseded by the Business Advisory Group on Civil Protection (BAGCP). This group works to support an open, constructive and representative relationship between Government and business in the area of civil protection as a whole, ensuring that business plays its part in identifying and managing the risk of emergencies, and maintaining world-class capabilities to respond to and recover from a wide range of emergencies. Information on the membership of BAGCP and issues considered can be found at:"www.preparingforemergencies.gov.uk/business/bagcp.shtm"To facilitate sectoral planning central Government Departments have issued best practice pandemic flu guidance and regularly meet with stakeholders to update them on the emerging situation and to provide advice. Sector specific pandemic flu guidance is available from the Cabinet Office UK resilience website at:"www.ukresilience.info/pandemicflu/guidance.aspx"