§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the new national procurement for radio systems in the fire service will replace the regionally based system of procurement. [57099]
§ Dr. WhiteheadYes. Statutory responsibility for equipping fire brigades rests with local fire authorities but it is the intention that the new national procurement of replacement wide area radio systems should be in place of existing regional procurements.
§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the national procurement for radio systems in the fire service will provide funding for infrastructure and terminal equipment and through life support; and what funding is available for the system. [57098]
§ Dr. WhiteheadOn 7 May I announced the procurement of a national radio communications system for the fire service in England and Wales, for which the Government are prepared to manage, support and fully fund a new national competition. The costs of the procurement exercise will depend on the response of the market. We are discussing the implications of the new strategy with fire service interests.