HC Deb 25 March 2004 vol 419 cc945-6W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on Fire Study 2000; and what plans he has for a further study. [162592]

Mr. Ingram

I have received a number of representations concerning Fire Study 2000 from Members of Parliament, trade unions, and members of the Defence Fire Service. In particular these have concerned its relationship to the Airfield Support Services Project where the recommendations contained in Fire Study 2000 have also been used to inform the Public Sector Comparator.

There are no plans for a further study.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to implement the recommendations of Fire Study 2000.[162593]

Mr. Ingram

The recommendations contained in Fire Study 2000, identifying Fire Service efficiencies, also forms part of the Public Sector Comparator for the Airfield Support Services Project which is seeking to establish the most cost-effective method of maintaining a full airfield support service, without compromising operational effectiveness. No decisions have yet been made. However, should it be decided that a public-private partnership is not the best option then the Public Sector Comparator, including the recommendations contained in Fire Study 2000, would be implemented within two years. In the meantime we continue to examine what Fire Study efficiencies can be implemented pending the completion of the Airfield Support Services Project.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is his policy to require Fire Study 2000 to be subject to an independent specialist review to test its manpower and financial assumptions. [162671]

Mr. Ingram

Fire Study 2000 was commissioned in order to review the Ministry of Defence's fire services and develop an optimum organisation in line with the Government's Strategic Defence Review. The results of the study have also been used to inform the Public Sector Comparator for the Airfield Support Services Project (ASSP). All Public Private Partnership Projects such as the ASSP are subject to independent review by MOD scrutineers supporting the Department's Investments Approvals Board and, in some cases, by Her Majesty's Treasury. The underlying assumptions in Fire Study 2000 are therefore being reviewed as part of the overall ASSP evaluation process.