§ Baroness Hanhamasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether regional fire centres will be able to act efficiently if the secure national radio system for the fire service Firelink is not to be operational for an undisclosed number of years. [HL771]
§ The Minister of State, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (Lord Rooker)The delivery of the regional control centres in England depends upon the availability of Firelink. The Firelink and FireControl projects are therefore working to ensure their delivery schedules are properly co-ordinated to ensure an integrated delivery.
§ Baroness Hanhamasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they expect the Firelink radio procurement, which has now been running for six years, to be finalised. [HL769]
§ Lord RookerTo increase resilience and provide interoperability following the events of 11 September they were halting the previous regionally based procurement arrangements, and instead would manage, support and fully fund the procurement of a new national radio system for Fire and Rescue Authorities. The Firelink Project is aiming to award the contract in May 2005.