Cat up a tree call-outs will remain free - Home minister

Home minister Peter Gillson and chief fire officer Jon Le Page, pictured, gave the assurance yesterday after revealing the proposed new fees for 'specialist services' it offered to businesses and commercial bodies.

These include inspections of premises such as pre-schools, testing of fire alarms, use of its turntable ladder and specialist advice and training.

Deputy Gillson said that public services, however, would be not become chargeable.

'The important message is that emergency services and humanitarian services remain free of charge,' he said. 'Calls-out for a cat up a tree are still received without a charge.

'The last thing we want is Mrs Le Page not phoning up to get her smoke detectors checked. We will continue to do these services for free.'