§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a further statement on the subject of allegations of malpractice at the Scottish fire service training school at Gullane, in the light of new material published recently by the Lothian and Borders fire board and submitted to him; if he will review the procedures of his Department's fire service inspectorate; and if he will order a fresh inquiry into these allegations.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe allegations were the subject of an independent inquiry by Her Majesty's Inspector of Fire Services and a senior officer from Strathclyde fire brigade well experienced in disciplinary matters.
The inquiry team interviewed those named in the original letter of allegation and, when some time later Lothian and Borders fire brigade decided to release their statements, they interviewed recruits from that brigade. The inquiry team also interviewed all other instructors named in the statements. Taking into account the oral and written evidence, the inquiry team concluded that the allegations of humiliation and degradation had not been substantiated. I am satisfied that a balanced picture emerged, allowing the inquiry team to come to reasonable conclusions. I am also satisfied that the inquiry was carried out in a proper manner; and that those said to be complaining and those against whom allegations were made were given the opportunity to provide full explanations to the inquiry team, which enabled the incidents complained of to be seen in context.
Her Majesty's Inspector of Fire Services made certain recommendations and suggestions for the improvement of teaching techniques at the school and in liaison arrangements with brigades. These were accepted by the Department. Those affecting the day-to-day running of the school have been put into effect. Further consideration is being given to how best to improve liaison arrangements and proposals will be put to brigades soon. In addition, improved access arrangements have been offered to and accepted by the Fire Brigades Union.
The Scottish Home and Health Department received no complaints from any other brigade; and I am not aware of any other brigade receiving any complaints from any of its recruits who had attended the course in question.
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Scottish Development Agency investments in companies by Scottish constituencies and districts: November 1987 to January 1988 Scottish Constituencies November 1987 December 1987 January 1988 Total Number £ Number £ Number £ Number £ Angus East 2 35,000 1 15,000 — — 3 50,000 Argyll and Bute 1 25,000 — — — — 1 25,000 Banff and Buchan — — 3 305,000 — — 3 305,000 Carrick Cumnock and Doon Valley 1 9,300 — — 1 5,525 2 14,825 I see no need to review the procedures of the fire inspectorate or to order a fresh inquiry.