HC Deb 05 November 2002 vol 392 cc207-8W
Mr. Lidington

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many Green Goddess fire appliances he plans to station in Buckinghamshire in the event of a firefighters' strike; where they will be stationed; and if he will make a statement. [77985]

Mr. Raynsford

Emergency cover in Buckinghamshire is planned to consist of a number of elements, including six Green Goddesses, three breathing apparatus teams, a rescue team equipped with specialist equipment, and the police. These will be based in Milton Keynes, Aylesbury and Marlow.

The provision of MOD emergency fire cover has been planned in consultation with the chief fire officer to maximise the effectiveness of call-outs and the availability of a range of firefighting capabilities.

The command and operational structure for emergency fire cover has been designed to enable maximum flexibility and use of available resources, whether from within a county or from assets deployed nearby in neighbouring counties. The deployment of firefighters will be based on the assessment of how best to respond to an emergency in the quickest time possible. The deployment will be kept under review.

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