HC Deb 22 March 1955 vol 538 c1854
25. Mr. Malcolm MacPherson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of expenditure on fire services is borne by Government grant.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

The proportion of approved fire service expenditure borne by Government grant is 25 per cent.

Mr. MacPherson

Will the hon. Gentleman say why the proportion is so low, compared with the ordinary local authority services, especially in view of the fact that this, in a very large measure, is a non-localised and almost a national service?

Mr. Stewart

This was the proportion settled by the hon. Member's friends when they were in office, and we have merely maintained it. In all the circumstances, I think it is about right.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many local authorities regret the enthusiasm with which they demanded the return to their administration of the fire services at that period?

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