§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made in preparing for the merger of fire brigades when the Local Government (Scotland) Bill comes into operation.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellJoint committees of local authorities have been considering what needs to be done in the light of the provisions in the Bill. In addition, preparatory work is being undertaken by my Department, which is also in touch with the Staff Commission for Scotland.