Written question asked by Paul Marsden (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 21 January 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 February 2003. It was answered by Nick Raynsford (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 February 2003 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what assessment he has made of the impact his plans for modernisation of the fire service would have on Shrewsbury fire station, with particular reference to manning levels.

Answer: Mr. Paul Marsden: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the impact his plans for modernisation of the Fire Service would have on Shrewsbury fire station, with particular reference to manning levels. [93114] Mr. Raynsford: The Independent Review of the Fire Service led by Sir George Bain set out proposals for the reform of the Fire Service. The Government believe that reform will create a Fire Service that is better, safer and will save more lives. The Government will respond in detail to the recommendations in the Independent Review in a Fire White Paper later this year. The Independent Review recommended a new approach to fire cover, based on a thorough assessment of life threatening risks. Under this new approach, the deployment of firefighters would be for Fire Authorities and Chief Fire Officers to consult on locally, in the light of new advice which the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will issue for consultation in the near future.

Secondary information