MINISTRY OF DEFENCE FIRE SERVICE

Early day motion 918, tabled 25 March 2004 by John Grogan (Labour). Signed by 83 members.

That this House notes that a decision by the Ministry of Defence is imminent on whether to privatise the Defence Fire Service as part of the Airfield Support Services Project; commends the sterling work of the Defence Fire Service whilst serving the armed forces of this country in hostile theatres of operation abroad such as Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and most recently Iraq; regards the service as very much part of the core support which is crucial to the effectiveness of our armed forces; notes that the Fire Study 2000 review has detailed cost savings of 20 per cent. which can be made in-house without proceeding with privatisation; and calls upon the Secretary of State for Defence to reject any plans to privatise the Defence Fire Service.

Signatures by party: Labour 54, Liberal Democrat 8, Labour/Co-operative 7, DUP 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 3, UUP 3, Conservative 2.