§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give details of those occasions when county council fire services have used good will agreements to assist with fire fighting at sea within the 3-mile limit of United Kingdom coastal waters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinSince 1 January 1989, fire services around the coast of the United Kingdom have assisted with fire fighting at sea within the 12-mile limit of United Kingdom coastal waters on 15 occasions. Arrangements for use of fire services in fire fighting at sea are made by the local fire authorities as part of emergency contingency planning involving all relevant emergency services, including HM Coastguard and local port/harbour authorities rather than good will agreements.
§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport to what extent he relies on the availability and expertise of the county council fire services in coastal areas for fighting fires within United Kingdom coastal waters.
§ Mr. McLoughlinAvailability and expertise of fire services in coastal areas for fighting fires within United Kingdom coastal waters is dependent upon local emergency contingency planning arrangements, and the nature of the incident.