§ Mr. Chris DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from(a) organisations and (b) individuals on the ability of fire brigades to meet minimum legal standards for rescue and firefighting duties in 1996–97. [14593]
§ Mr. SackvilleMy right hon. and learned Friend has received a number of such representations relating to different fire brigade areas. It is for each fire authority to set a budget which will allow it to comply with its statutory duties under the Fire Services Act 1947 and with the nationally recommended minimum standards of fire cover.
§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the adequacy of fire service funding for 1996–97 to permit fire brigades to comply with the statutory minimum standards for their(a) rescue, (b) firefighting and (c) emergency roles. [14794]
§ Mr. SackvilleIt is for each fire authority, in the light of the proposed criteria for council tax capping, to set a budget which will allow it to comply with its statutory duties under the Fire Services Act 1947 and with the nationally recommended minimum standards of fire cover. In circumstances where an authority considers that it is necessary to set a budget above the proposed capping limit in order to fulfil its statutory duties, it is open to it to set a budget above the limit and make out a case to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment for redetermination of the cap.