WEST MIDLANDS FIRE SERVICE AND THE JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE

That this House applauds the contribution made by West Midlands Fire Service personnel deployed as part of the United Kingdom International Search and Rescue response following the devastating earthquake and consequential tsunami in Japan; notes that the UK team is made up of personnel from nine UK fire services, with a total of 63 personnel, two search dogs and 11 tonnes of equipment; further notes that the UK team, like many from other UK Fire and Rescue services, has only just returned from supporting the work in Christchurch, New Zealand; and commends their professionalism and dedication to this role that they are ready and prepared to respond to the tragic events in Japan in such a short space of time.