London Fire and Civil Defence Authority

HC Deb 31 March 1988 vol 130 c684W

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he refused to allow the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority to maintain the Greater London co-ordinating centre; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

The Greater London co-ordination centre (GLECC) has been maintained by the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority by virtue of temporary sanctions under section 19 of the Local Government Finance Act 1982. The authority sought primary legislation which would enable it to maintain GLECC on a permanent basis. We concluded, in the light of expert advice, that there was no role for GLECC that could not otherwise be met and that primary legislation would not be justified. The London boroughs have the necessary powers to fund the authority to maintain GLECC if they consider there is a need.