§ 82. Mr. Bossomasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost, both locally and nationally, of maintaining the fire protection system in 1938, before the enlarged personnel scheme was introduced; and if the losses due to fire have decreased or increased since the enlargement.
§ Mr. EdeThere was no Exchequer grant in aid of the cost of fire brigades in 1938 and I regret that statistics of the cost to local authorities are not available. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for West Wolverhampton (Mr. H. D. Hughes) on 16th December last.
§ Mr. BossomAs there is a great need for money in the country at the present time and a great need for manpower, would the right hon. Gentleman look into 1422 the situation and see that neither of those very important elements are being wasted?
§ Mr. EdeI have this matter constantly under review. I am reviewing the establishments of the fire brigades as soon as possible after the new system has been inaugurated.