§ Mr. BurnettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment. Transport and the Regions when he will introduce mandatory training for all drivers of emergency vehicles; what the minimum training requirements will be; and if he will make a statement. [149691]
§ Mr. Hill[holding answer 9 February 2001]: Core competencies for driving emergency vehicles have recently been agreed by technical experts from the Driving Standards Agency, police, fire, ambulance and armed services. The services are now consulting their constituent members about adoption, which I hope will be by the autumn. Each service will tailor the supporting training to their drivers and vehicles, though experience and best practice will be shared. The public services concerned will be able to ensure that these new standards will apply to directly employed drivers, and those providing contracted services.