The burning question (From Warrington Guardian)

The burning question

THE top firefighter in Cheshire gave evidence in front of a House of Commons committee of MPs on Monday, backing plans for a regional control centre to be built.

Steve McGuirk was before the committee as he is the vice president elect of the Chief Fire Officer's Association (CFOA).

He appeared alongside two other members of the CFOA to tell MPs why they thought the project should get the go ahead despite reservations from the Fire Brigades' Union.

The group of MPs has been assembled to consider what effects introducing the regional fire control centres would have on the service.

Speaking at the evidence session of the committee on Monday, the three officials said that they could see 'very definite benefits' from the introduction of regional control centres.

But they added that they were concerned that a full business case had not been produced by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, which could give rise to people thinking the process of the introduction of the centres was not transparent.

Their support did not waver despite questioning from Sheffield MP Clive Betts over why the officials would support the scheme despite them having no clear idea how much the overall project would cost or that no business case had been submitted.

But during later discussions, Mr McGuirk, the Chief Fire Officer for Cheshire, went on to say: "We are not absolute advocates of this, we don't see ourselves in that position."

After the committee of MPs has heard all the evidence it is likely to produce a report for the House of Commons containing recommendations to the Government. The Government is then required to respond but not required to adopt any recommendations made.

hcartwright@guardiangrp.co.uk