HC Deb 29 June 1950 vol 476 c2430
4. Mr. Bevins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how far it is the practice of his Department to buy certain fire service equipment centrally and to resell it to local authorities at the price paid plus an administration charge.

Mr. Ede

After the transfer of the fire service to local authorities in 1948, temporary arrangements, as described in the Question, covering a wide range of supplies, were made for the convenience of the local authorities. These arrangements have been progressively curtailed and I am at present in consultation with the local authorities as to the extent to which they desire the continuance of such arrangements as are still in force.

Mr. Bevins

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why local authorities should pay an administrative charge to the Home Office when they can buy at cost from the manufacturers?

Mr. Ede

If this scheme is convenient to the local authorities, I see no reason why they should not bear the whole cost.