§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) what estimate he has made of the cost to(a) the Government and (b) contractors of the aborted regional fire service replacement radio budget; [90436]
(2) how many fire authorities made claims for compensation for the cost of abortive work undertaken in implementing the regional procurement strategy for a new radio system; what the total value of the claims was; and how much has been paid to each authority; [90439]
(3) if he will make it the policy of the Government to reimburse Dorset Fire Authority for costs and expenses incurred in its commitment to the South West Radio Project prior to the project being curtailed by the Government. [90437]
§ Mr. RaynsfordNo figures are available relating to the cost to Government or private sector companies of the fire service regional radio procurement strategy.
44 fire authorities have written to the Office giving preliminary notification of their intention to claim for costs related to the adoption of the national radio strategy. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not expect to receive claims until March 2003.
383WFramework guidance on making claims is to be issued by officials shortly. All claims will be considered on merit within the given guidelines. A copy of the Fire Service Circular will be placed in the Library of the House in due course.