§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make extra funding available to fire authorities to pay for anti-terrorist strategies; and if he will make a statement. [20720]
§ Dr. WhiteheadIn the light of the events of 11 September, we have established with the fire service stakeholders a group, chaired by HM Chief Inspector of Fire Services. The group is evaluating, among other things, the existing response capabilities of, and the need for specialist appliances and equipment for, local authority fire and rescue services. The group will be reporting shortly and we shall consider the implications of its report, including the resource requirements, as a matter of urgency.