HC Deb 29 January 2003 vol 398 c863W
Mr. Pickles

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what meetings(a) he, (b) other Ministers and (c) officials of his Department have held with (i) Sir Jeremy Beecham, (ii) other Local Government Association Executive members and (iii) representatives of the Fire Authority employers since 1 December 2002; on what dates the meetings were held; and what was discussed in each case. [91632]

Mr. Raynsford

Ministers and senior officials meet with Sir Jeremy Beecham and other members of the Local Government Association Executive on a regular basis to discuss many issues. The last meeting took place at the Central-Local Partnership on 22 January.

Ministers and senior officials have also met representatives of the Fire Authority employers since 1 December 2002. Subjects discussed have included the proposals contained in the final report of Sir George Bain's Independent Review of the Fire Service, and how the Government intends to take them forward.