§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on discussions over the creation of a combined emergency service for London, involving the fire and ambulance services. [23932]
§ Mr. George HowarthThere are no discussions taking place about the creation of a combined fire and ambulance service for London. From time to time, the services discuss whether there are opportunities for co-operation, for example, in the use of accommodation or in the provision of emergency assistance to casualties, where a fire appliance is first in attendance at an incident. As part of the Home Office Comprehensive Spending Review, fire service interests in England and Wales have also been asked to consider whether there is greater scope for collaboration with other emergency services.