Written question asked by Baroness Hanham (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Andrews (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 October 2006.

Fire Services: FiReControl

Question: Whether they will undertake an analysis of control room functions before progressing further with the FiReControl project.

Answer: The provision of control room services has already been extensively reviewed. Since the 1980s, independent reports have consistently recommended a consolidation of control rooms. These reviews include two reports by Mott MacDonald. Its 2000 report recommended a consultation of control rooms. The 2003 report, following the September 11 attack, found that the need for resilience made a powerful case for a national network of regional controls, which was also optimum in terms of efficiency. In December 2003, extensive consultation was held in whether to proceed with the project and the project was formally launched in March 2004. The direction of the project is reviewed as it progresses, but the Government do not consider that a further fundamental analysis of control room activities is necessary at this time.

Secondary information