The Rev. Ll. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will reconsider the proposal to reduce the number of men in a turn-out on a fire-fighting appliance from five to three; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI am not aware of any proposal to reduce the standard crew of a fire appliance to three. Standards of fire cover have recently been studied by a joint committee of the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Councils, for England and Wales and Scotland respectively. There was a divergence of opinion as to the appropriate standard of manning for104W fire appliances, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I are considering the matter in the light of the report and of the subsequent discussion in the two Advisory Councils. I am not at present able to make any further statement.