§ Baroness Stedmanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether local authorities are to be responsible for the funding of the Fire Service College; and, if so, whether the necessary resources will be made available to them.
The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)A system whereby fire brigades in England and Wales will be charged directly for the cost of courses at the Fire Service College is to be introduced in stages over the period 1991–92 to 1993–94.
The financial implications for local authorities are being taken into account in determining the level of revenue support grant.
§ Baroness Stedmanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Fire Service College is the premier fire training establishment in the world, and whether the decision to withdraw Government funds will mean an additional burden on local authority funds and could lead to a diminution of the skills practised by firefighters today.
Earl FerrersThe Fire Service College holds a position of pre-eminence and I am confident that it will continue with its very high international reputation.
In order to enable local authorities to adjust to the new arrangements without reducing the quality of training of officers in their fire brigades, direct charging is being introduced in stages. Provision for this expenditure will be taken into account in the rate support grant.