§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what representations he has received regarding proposed changes in the 999 system; and if he will make a statement;
653W(2) what discussions he is having, and with whom, regarding proposed changes in the 999 system.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe review of the 999 system is primarily a matter for the Director General of OFTEL. Any representations that we have received against OFTEL's proposals for a call handling agency have therefore been passed to his office. Some organisations have represented to us that changes should not lead to any deterioration in the service to the public. We share their views, as does the Director General of OFTEL.
Matters relating to 999 calls are discussed by the Home Office's 999 liaison committee which has representatives from the emergency authorities and the public telecommunications operators as well as from OFTEL. There are also bilateral discussions, as appropriate, between the Home Office and the police and fire services.