§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the current provision of fireboat services on the River Thames; and what plans he has to review it; [25227]
(2) what are the criteria for establishing at which emergencies it is appropriate to call on fireboat services. [25228]
§ Mr. George HowarthFireboat services form part of the pre-determined attendance for known riverside risks and large scale riverside incidents. This might include riverside fires or those in vessels, mid-stream collisions284W or assistance in pumping water from the River Thames for firefighting purposes. The provision of such services is a mater for the fire authority.
Fireboat services in London are currently provided by a boat called the London Phoenix with another boat, the Fire Hawk, in reserve. The brigade has recently reviewed its arrangements with a view to improving the effectiveness of its response on the River Thames. In accordance with section 19(4) of the Fire Services Act 1947, the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority has sought my right hon. Friend's approval to change the way the service is provided in future. This would be based on the use of smaller, more flexible craft.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) pumping and (b) special appliances were on operational duty with the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority on 1 Janaury 1998. [25235]
§ Mr. George HowarthI understand from the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority that 177 pumping appliances and 47 special appliances were operational in London on 1 January 1998. The number of special appliances has since been reduced by one as the fireboat tender has been damaged and is not currently in service.