§ 32. Mr. Simmondsasked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that fire-watching schemes in the Metropolitan area are proceeding with adequate speed; and, if not, what action He proposes to take?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe issue of the new Order relating to fire prevention at business premises, coupled with the introduction of the new Fire Guard organisation, 1106 has involved a thorough review of fire prevention arrangements in all urban areas. Local authorities have been asked to press on with the new arrangements with the utmost despatch, and to facilitate this end, wide discretionary powers have been granted to Regional Commissioners to approve local authorities' schemes without reference to headquarters.
§ Mr. SimmondsIn view of the magnitude of the task, is there anyone charged with reviewing at frequent intervals the progress that is being made by local authorities?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, that is the duty of the Regional Commissioners and they report to us. That question will be kept in mind. Moreover, the Parliamentary Secretary is constantly supervising the progress of the work.
58. Mr. David Adamsasked the Home Secretary whether he has any reports as to the working out of the National Fire Scheme from the point of view of the financial burdens to be shared by local authorities; and whether he has any statement to make upon the operation of this scheme?
§ Mr. MorrisonAs was announced to the House on 13th May last, the Exchequer now bears the full cost of the National Fire Service, subject to a contribution by the local authorities on the basis of 75 per cent. of the cost of the regular fire brigade service in a standard year. After discussion with representatives of the local authorities, these arrangements were embodied in the National Fire Service (Financial) Regulations of 18th. August last, and, while it is difficult at so early a stage to form any final conclusion, I have no reason to doubt that they will prove satisfactory in practice.