§ 58. Sir R. Glynasked the Home Secretary the total estimated cost of the N.F.S. for the next financial year; whether capital expenditure on pumps, static water tanks, etc., is now completed; what has been the cost of these items of equipment since the institution of the N.F.S.; and what has been the ascertained value of similar equipment taken over from local authorities?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonNo estimate has yet been prepared of the cost of the National Fire Service for the next financial year. The current programmes for operational equipment, including pumps, and for the provision of emergency water supplies are 1290 well advanced and the emergency water programme is substantially completed. The programmes are kept under continuous review in the light of developments in the war situation but, for reasons of security, it would not be in the public interest to begin to give such particulars as to equipment, etc., which would enable the enemy to form an estimate of our fire defences. Inventories of equipment taken over from local authorities were prepared on the institution of the National Fire Service but it is not possible, without much labour and research, to ascertain the aggregate value of this equipment.