§ 16. Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are his plans for the expansion of fire services staff for the ensuring year, when the Fire Precautions Bill is enacted.
§ Mr. SharplesProvision has been made for an eventual addition of about 400 to the staff of fire authorities for the purposes of the Fire Precautions Bill, but precise requirements from time to time will be decided by the individual authorities.
§ Mr. TilneyWhat consultation has my hon. Friend had with the fire brigades and the Chief Fire Officers Association on methods of recruitment and training?
§ Mr. SharplesDiscussions have taken place about this, but the implementation of the increases will be a matter for the individual fire authorities and will depend upon the rate at which the various stages of the Fire Precautions Bill are brought into operation.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesWhen will the recruitment of the extra staff in the Home Office begin?
§ Mr. SharplesVery few extra staff will be required in the Home Office, and I do not think that any particular problem arises there.