§ Mr. McTaggartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in his review of policy in relation to fire services, he will ensure that protection is directed to all buildings and not just to premises of exceptionally high risk; and if he will ensure that finance is not used as the main criterion for determining fire service standards.
§ Mr. RifkindThe main conclusions of the Government's comprehensive review of fire policy were outlined in the recent consultative document on future fire policy. This put forward for consideration proposals to enable an adequate level of fire protection to be provided as economically as possible but stressed that its primary purpose was not to contrive savings. Decisions effecting standards of fire cover will be taken only after the fullest consultation and consideration of the responses to that paper.