§ Mr. Lofthouseasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what additional powers he proposes to take to improve staffing structures in the police and fire services; and whether it is his intention to have separate staffing structures for these services.
§ Mr. Giles ShawWe have no proposals to alter the staffing structure of the police and fire services. If the hon. Member is referring to support presently provided by the metropolitan counties (to the police and fire services) and the Greater London council (to the fire service) these will be matters for determination in the first instance by the new joint authorities proposed in the Local Government Bill.
349W
§ Mr. Lofthouseasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information presently is available to determine staffing support for police and fire services currently provided by the control support departments of the metropolitan counties and the Greater London council.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe detailed information is held by the metropolitan county councils and the Greater London council. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has issued a formal request under section 5 of the Local Government (Interim Provisions) Act 1984 for information on the authorities' current manpower.