§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what strategy exists to help collaboration between fire brigades related to their role in civil contingencies and dealing with terrorist attacks. [21229]
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§ Dr. WhiteheadArrangements exist for mutual assistance between fire authorities under the provisions of sections 2 and 12 of the Fire Services Act 1947 which enable brigades to collaborate in carrying out their statutory duties.
In 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, which is evaluating, among other matters, existing response capabilities, including the need for regional collaboration.