THE MARQUESS OF CARMARTHEN (Lambeth, Brixton)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the alleged serious discontent existing amongst the members of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade; and, in view of the statement that there is not a spare steamer in stock to take the place of any one that might break down, and that in many other respects the apparatus of the Brigade is in an unsatisfactory condition, what steps the Government propose to take to ensure that the lives and property of the inhabitants of the Metropolis shall have adequate protection?
§ MR. H. H. FOWLERThe Metropolitan Fire Brigade is under the control of the London County Council, and the 642 Local Government Board have no jurisdiction in the matter. I have, however, made inquiry of the County Council with regard to the statement referred to in the question, and I am informed that the allegation that there is serious discontent among the members of the Brigade is, so far as the County Council are aware, unfounded, nor are they aware of any valid reason for discontent. I am also informed that, though it is true that at this moment there is not a spare steam engine in stock, this is owing to the fact that the repairs to several steam engines sent to the makers for that purpose have not been completed, because the makers were unable, in consequence of the coal strike, to obtain from the ironworks certain plates required for the repairs. Putting aside this temporary incident, it is stated the appliances for extinguishing fires and saving life have been considerably increased by the Council. New engine stations have been opened, and there has been an addition of no less than 52 fire escape stations in London, whilst the staff has been augmented by 137 men. It is added that there is no question that London is at this moment better protected than it was when the Council came into office in the year 1889.
THE MARQUESS OF CARMARTHENBearing in mind that Parliament votes £10,000 a year to the expenses of the Brigade will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of appointing an independent Committee, say a Departmental Committee or a Committee of this House, to take expert evidence as to whether the Fire Brigade is in a proper condition or not?
§ MR. H. H. FOWLERSo far as we are entitled to express an opinion, the Local Government Board is quite satisfied with the way in which the London County Council are doing their work.