Fire Service

HC Deb 22 January 2004 vol 416 cc1391-2W

Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost is of modernising the Defence Fire Service to the standard envisaged by Fire Study 2000. [149059]

Mr. Caplin

The recommendations contained in Fire Study 2000 for modernising the organisation of the Defence Fire Service would expect to achieve yearly savings rather than increased expenditure.

Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are to co-ordinate tri-Service civil emergencies fire training. [149061]

Mr. Ingram

The Ministry of Defence has no plans to co-ordinate tri-Service civil emergencies fire training. Dealing with a civil emergency remains the responsibility of the civil authorities. Any assistance provided by the armed forces in the event of such an emergency would be in support of those authorities and at their specific request. It would most likely take the form of general duties support.