§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to satisfy himself that the training requirements of the fire service will not jeopardise the continued availability of a local fire fighting crew on islands such as Holy Island.
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§ Mr. John PattenThe Northumberland fire authority has a duty, under the Fire Services Acts, to ensure that appropriate standards of fire cover are maintained in its area and for the efficient training of members of its brigade. It also has obligations under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988 to ensure that firefighters are adequately trained to meet the dangers of their work.
Fire cover on Holy Island is provided by a fire appliance operated by local volunteers augmented, where necessary, by firefighters from the mainland. I understand that the fire authority has been concerned that the volunteer firefighters are not adequately trained and that the authority may, as a result, be in breach of its statutory duties. The authority is considering, in discussion with the volunteers and other inhabitants of Holy Island, what further action it should take.