§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how he plans to take forward work on the prior options review of the Fire Service College. [133801]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe have consulted widely on the recommendations in the prior options review of the Fire Service College and considered carefully all the representations we have received. I have noted in particular, the value that fire service interests place on the work of the College and their wish that it should continue. The Government's objective is to secure both in the short and longer term efficient and effective central training arrangements for local authority fire brigades which meet their operational needs and fully accord with the principles of Best Value.
We believe this is most likely to be achieved by drawing from the skills of both the public and private sectors. There have been widespread agreement that in continuing to assess the available options and deciding how best these diverse skills can be harnessed, the essential next step is to draw up in outcome terms a clear operational specification of the fire service's future central training requirements. I am asking for this work to be put in hand straight away. The work will be done in consultation with the Fire Service and the College and we will use consultants to assist in the task and to ensure it is completed by this autumn.
1171WThe operational specification for future firefighting training needs will, with the agreement of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence, also include a specification of training requirements currently met at the Ministry of Defence Fire Services Central Training Establishment at Manston. The Government remain committed to co-operative working between Departments to secure the most modern and efficient services and Ministry of Defence colleagues will be fully involved in this further work.