§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the fire brigade authorities which have put their fleet maintenance tenders out to external companies indicating which tenders have resulted in split contracts.
§ Mr. Peter LloydOnly Hertfordshire fire brigade has contracted out its vehicle fleet maintenance; there is one contractor.
§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what research has been conducted by his Department on the introduction of compulsory competitive tendering of fleet maintenance of fire brigade vehicles upon brigades who currently utilise mechanics who also act as part-time fire fighters;
(2) what steps are being taken to ensure that external companies granted fleet maintenance tenders for fire brigade vehicles offer a 24-hour service in a permanent site which grants around-the-clock access;
455W(3) if he will make it his policy to ensure that all persons involved in fleet maintenance of fire brigade vehicles are directly accountable both operationally and financially to their local chief fire officer;
(4) what account has been taken by his Department on the effect of the introduction of compulsory competitive tendering of fire brigade fleet maintenance upon (a) the flexible use of vehicles in the course of an emergency and (b) the ability of each fire brigade to reach the required incident response standards.
§ Mr. Peter LloydProvision of services and equipment is a matter for fire authorities. All the representative bodies and the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council have been widely consulted on the question of compulsory competitive tendering. My right hon. and learned Friend hopes to announce his conclusion on the issue in relation to fire brigades before long.