32. Mr. Ian L. Orr-Ewingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will reconsider his refusal to agree to the retention of towing vehicles for trailer fire pumps in the parishes of Banwell, Wrington and Blagdon in the Axbridge rural district, in view of the fact that the Somerset County Council had proposed to retain them.
§ Mr. EdeTowing vehicles are not usually provided for local fire units, such as those at the three places referred to, but if the county council consider there are circumstances justifying these vehicles, I would raise no objection.
Mr. Orr-EwingWhile I am glad to have that answer, may I ask the Home Secretary whether he will look into the answer he gave me on 4th May when he said this was entirely a matter for the county council and that he was not responsible, whereas on 3rd January of this year he had refused the request of the county council that such vehicles should be supplied in these villages?
§ Mr. EdeI did look into the correspondence and I hoped that the answer I have given this afternoon would be regarded as satisfactory by the Somerset County Council and those who purport to speak for them.
Mr. Orr-EwingWould the Home Secretary look into the manner in which he was misinformed—I am sure it was not done deliberately—on 4th May and which led to his giving an answer which, on reconsideration, I think he will agree was very misleading?
§ Mr. EdeIf it was misleading I am sorry. I thought I had been very careful to answer very particularly about the cars.