Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 March 2010. It was answered by Shahid Malik (Labour) on Monday, 29 March 2010 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Fire Services: Industrial Disputes

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on what basis Group 4 Securicor have been identified as the preferred bidder to provide a national fire service reserve; when this decision was taken, and by whom; what consultations there have been with the Fire Brigades Union on this matter; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Firebuy, the national procurement body for the fire and rescue service in England, undertook the procurement process for the Fireguard Project at the request of 33 fire and rescue authorities, led by the Chief Fire Officers' Association. An evaluation of the bids was made on the basis of technical, financial, and legal and contractual criteria set out in advance of the invitation to tender process. The final decision to identify Group 4 Securicor as the preferred bidder for the Fireguard Project was taken by the Firebuy Board on 24 June 2008.The participating fire and rescue authorities however decided that they did not wish to enter into a contract, and the project was closed in May 2009. It would have been for the project sponsors to undertake any consultation they considered necessary.

Secondary information