§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many fire brigades failed to meet the statutory minimum standards for their rescue and firefighting role in Northern Ireland in 1995–96; and if he will make a statement. [21576]
§ Mr. MossThe Northern Ireland fire brigade is drawing to the end of implementing a 10-year plan to enable it fully to meet the UK nationally recommended standards of fire cover. However, I am satisfied that in general the brigade is already meeting those standards, with a few localised exceptions which the completion of the 10-year plan will address. Her Majesty's inspectors of fire services, in their annual inspection, draw attention to exceptions and it is for the Fire Authority for Northern Ireland to take the appropriate action in such cases.