Critics raised concerns that if local knowledge was lost because calls were being answered in a regional centre instead of the service's two centres in Devon and Somerset, it could affect response times and risk lives.

BBC: Empty Taunton fire control centre

Tripp said that she understood the charges to have been expunged, and that she answered the questionnaire truthfully to the best of her knowledge.

CNN: Investigating the President

Lewis, speaking to reporters as he left the attorney general's office after his testimony on February 26, said that he had come to "deliver clarity" and that he answered the questions that were asked to the best of his knowledge.

CNN: Judge orders release of Merrill bonus recipient names

Ratzinger never answered the letter, according to the Times, and church officials have said he had no knowledge of the situation.

CNN: Too tired to go on, Pope Benedict resigns