HC Deb 23 April 1991 vol 189 cc372-3W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration he has given to privatising the fire service in England and Wales.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

The Government have no plans to change the public service basis on which the fire service is provided in this country.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action has been taken by the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority to implement recommendations 119 and 29 of the Fennell inquiry report on the London fire brigade.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

London fire and civil defence authority training deals with incidents at underground stations in firefighters' own and adjacent fireground territories. I refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 22 March at column251 with regard to recommendation 119.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance has been promulgated by his Department to local fire authorities and brigades on the wearing and use of extended duration breathing apparatus by firefighters.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

None so far, since trials by a small number of brigades in the use of extended duration breathing apparatus are at an early stage.