Risk Management

Dr. Kumar
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many local fire authorities have responded to the request to draft Integrated Risk Management Plans; and what options will be considered once such plans have been received. [114295]

Mr. Raynsford
The initial guidance on Integrated Risk Management Planning, which is currently out for consultation, indicated that local fire authorities should take steps to produce a draft Integrated Risk Management Plan and Action Plan for 2004–05 by the end of September 2003.As at 19 May 2003, no formal response had been received from any fire authority, although 40 fire brigades had provided details of managers and practitioners who will be responsible for preparing the plans. The consultation ends on 30 May 2003.Fire authorities will be responsible for implementing the plans and are required to consider and take into account the views of their communities and other stakeholders, including HM Fire Service Inspectorate.