LINARES QUESTIONS GOVT ON FIRE BRIGADE RESOURCES

Shadow Minister for Government Services Steven Linares has asked Government  to confirm how any units of fire-fighting foam were held in stock by the Government or its agencies immediately prior to the recent fire in the North Mole. Linares has given notice of over 60 questions for the Government to answer in Parliament on Thursday.

He will also want to know how much fire-fighting foam has been purchased in the last four financial years for use by the Fire Brigade and will seek confirmation that the foam held in stock prior to the recent fire at the North Mole was expired and received second hand from the Ministry of Defence. Linares will also probe what the length of time it takes to exhaust one unit of fire fighting foam.

On the same subject, he will ask how many times the Gibraltar Fire Brigade have conducted training exercises for tackling oil fires like the one that occurred at the Port, how many times they have exercised using the simulator which was acquired a few years ago, and how many times they have exercised together with the Defence Fire Service.

In his capacity as the new Shadow Minister for the Environment, Steven Linares will ask for details of the risk assessment, plan of works and control measures that were put in place for the demolition of the old Buildings and Works depot at Ragged Staff. He will also want to know how many Health and Safety Inspectors were involved in the process. Linares will want to know what environmental considerations were taken when planning and building the Mid Harbour Estate in order to make it as green as possible.

The Opposition Environment spokesman will also press the Government on the problems at Western Beach. He will ask what contingency measures have been put in place should there be sewage pollution during the day between the times when the quality of the bathing water is tested. He will also want to know how long it takes from the time water samples are taken to when the results have been determined and how long it takes to put the results on-line.

Linares will ask Government for the cost of the new toilet units that have been installed in different parts of Gibraltar, with the cost of the associated infrastructural works. He will also seek details of the revenue raised from each of the separate toilet units and will press for details of the company that supplied them, the contracts to maintain them, and the contract for the works to install them.

In his capacity as Shadow Minister for Sport, Linares will ask how much money has been spent on the different changing rooms under the stands and near the petrol station at the old Victoria Stadium. He will also want to know how much has been spent on maintenance, minor works or major works in the 25m swimming pool in the last four financial years.