FIRE-FIGHTERS UNPREPARED FOR WAR

11.44.00am GMT Sun 9th Mar 2003

Jenny Tonge, MP for Richmond Park, has expressed her amazement at the lack of preparation for possible terror attacks by the local fire service.

Speaking after a visit to talk to local firemen about the firefighters' pay dispute, Dr Tonge said: "I have a great deal of sympathy with the firemen who cannot live on their current pay unless they do another job. Any deal has to recognise this, if it expects them to change their pattern of working."

"My major concern however, was to hear that the Government has issued no new equipment or special training in the event of a terrorist attack.

"Living close to Heathrow it is imperative that they should receive specialist training in the event of a serious air crash."

"The only instructions they have been given is on decontamination. They have been shown how to line up two fire engines alongside each other with a ladder stretched between them and to hose people from the ladder as they walk underneath to decontaminate them!

"This smacks of Dad's Army," the MP said. "What happens to the people, or to the poisonous water after that has not been specified. "

"Fire stations have two special protective suits per fire engine, but as there are six firemen in a team, this is less than useful in a serious incident."

"I am disgusted that whilst the Prime Minister is to have an armoured Jaguar with its own air supply and 'James Bond' style equipment, the firemen are expected to carry on as usual and improvise where necessary."

"Jenny Tonge will be writing to the Deputy Prime Minister to protest.