§ 59. Mr. Leslieasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has given any consideration to the serious burden imposed on the ratepayers, particularly in rural areas of poverty-stricken districts, as the result of the Fire 965 Brigades Act, 1938; and whether the Government intend to alleviate this burden by grants in aid?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)The point to which the hon. Member calls attention was not over-looked when the Fire Brigades Bill was before Parliament. It was then decided that the cost of providing any additional fire services required for normal peace-time purposes should fall to be met from the local rates, and my right hon. Friend regrets he can hold out no prospect of any departure from this decision.
§ Mr. ThorneAre we to recognise by that answer that, although we have new Ministers, they are working on the same old rails?