§ Mr. IllsleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make available additional finance under the Bellwin scheme, or any other scheme, to South Yorkshire fire and civil defence authority in view of its unforeseen expenditure in 1995. [41365]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordMy right hon. Friend has recently considered a request from the South Yorkshire fire and 599W civil defence authority for support through the Bellwin scheme for additional expenditure incurred as a consequence of the increased demand for fire services during the recent drought. The Bellwin scheme is intended to support expenditure resulting from sudden one-off emergencies, rather than in response to conditions which have led to an increased demand for an authority's normal services over a prolonged period. My right hon. Friend has decided, therefore, not to establish a Bellwin scheme of financial assistance for South Yorkshire fire and civil defence authority on this occasion. The authority has been advised accordingly. We have no plans to make any additional grants available in respect of this expenditure.