§ 26. Commander Donaldsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the four recent disastrous fires at Hawick, he is satisfied with the standard of fire-fighting equipment of the Burgh; and if he will now consider the appointment of one or two permanent firemen to augment the voluntary force and to advise the mills in respect of their internal fire precaution arrangements.
§ Mr. MaclayThe question of manpower and equipment for fire fighting in Hawick is primarily a matter for the South-Eastern Fire Area Joint Committee and I am discussing with the Committee the possibility of employing whole-time firemen in the Burgh. I understand that the Committee intends this year to replace some of the fire appliances there with more modern 1071 types which will nearly double the pumping capacity available. Manufacturers in the town have been reminded that the brigade is always available to give advice about fire precautions and I hope that they will take full advantage of this.
§ Commander DonaldsonI thank my right hon. Friend fox his Answer. I hope that he has well in mind the full import of the anxiety in Hawick resulting from the last four serious fires in mills in that town. Will he ensure, so far as he is able, that the firemaster of the authority to which he has referred will take action as promptly as possible?
§ Mr. MaclayI think that my hon. Friend will realise from my Answer that I have this matter very much in mind.