The Fire Services Department has been given approval to launch an open recruitment for over 300 posts in 2006-07, Director of Fire Services Kwok Jing-keung says.

Speaking on a radio talk show this morning, Mr Kwok said the Government has not decided when to implement the proposed ambulance priority-dispatch system.

The Security Bureau has set up a steering committee to scrutinise a consultancy's results and recommendations. A public consultation will be conducted once the committee has come up with concrete proposals.

Meanwhile, the Government is studying whether to ask other agencies to handle part of the non-urgent transfer operation. The move will allow ambulance personnel to concentrate more on emergencies.

About 89% of building fires were handled within six minutes last year, slightly lower the target percentage set in the department's performance pledge.

Mr Kwok said the main reasons for the discrepancy included the rise in fire calls, the operational problems of the Third Generation Mobilising System in the initial stage, long travel distances, and poor weather.