§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what level of funding will be provided for the Fire Service college in the next year; and what steps are being taken where local councils fail to supply the funds necessary for their firefighters to attend the Fire Service college.
§ Mr. John PattenThe planned level of funding for the Fire Service college in respect of fire officers in England and Wales for 1991–92 is £9.2 million, made up from some £6 million by a block contribution from the revenue support grant and the balance from direct charges to fire brigades. The exercise of the fire authorities' duty to ensure that their fire brigade staff are effectively trained will continue to be monitored closely by Her Majesty's inspectorate of fire services.