To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate she has made of the number of lives saved through the Urban Search and Rescue programme since its inception in February 2008. (240808)

Different elements of the urban search and rescue capability are used routinely by Fire and Rescue Services at the local level. The Department does not hold statistics on the number of lives saved through deployment of the urban search and rescue capability.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how the welfare of dogs involved in the Fire Service’s Urban Search and Rescue programme is monitored; and with whom responsibility for such monitoring lies. (240809)

As part of the New Dimension programme, CLG has provided funding for 20 Urban Search and Rescue teams, hosted by Fire and Rescue Services across the country. As part of each of these teams, the Department has made provision for a search and rescue dog and a handler. Responsibility for the welfare of the dogs lies with the host brigades.