§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the policy of his Department towards the maintenance of adequately manned fire services where local authorities are unwilling or unable to provide the necessary public funds for recruiting sufficient personnel to meet the manpower level regarded as technically necessary by the same local authorities.
§ Mr. LaneResponsibility for providing a fire brigade of sufficient size to meet efficiently all normal requirements rests with the fire authority concerned. HM inspectors provide us with information as the manner in which fire authorities discharge their functions under the Fire Services Act 1947, and we have no reason to believe, from their reports, that fire authorities are failing to carry out this responsibility.
§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations he has had with Portsmouth City Council on whether the present number of personnel in the city's fire service is sufficient; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LaneMy right hon. Friend has not had such consultations, but he has received advice from HM Inspector of Fire Services. We have no reason to believe that the strength of the Portsmouth Fire Brigade is insufficient to meet present requirements. I understand that the fire authority is reviewing future requirements.