HC Deb 22 February 1945 vol 408 c947
35. Captain Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to be able to make a statement on the future of the N.F.S.

Mr. H. Morrison

I am not yet in a position to add to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Penryn and Falmouth (Mr. Petherick) on 7th December, except to say that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I intend to resume our discussions with the representatives of the Local Authorities' Associations as soon as they are ready.

Captain Gammans

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he feels himself bound by any previous declarations that the fire brigades must return to local authority control, or if he feels he has a free hand to deal with this matter in accordance with the experience gained in the past four years?

Mr. Morrison

I have made two declarations, and they should both be examined. The line we have taken is that we have come to no decision, that we want first to know the views of the local authorities.

Sir Adam Maitland

Will the right hon. Gentleman also consult with the representatives of the National Fire Brigades Association?

Mr. Morrison

Perhaps, in due course, but first we thought it right to consult the local authorities.