§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many hon. Members have made representations to him regarding(a) proposed changes in the level of London's fire service and (b) closures of London's fire stations. [35508]
§ Mr. Sackville[holding answer 4 July 1996]: The London Fire and Civil Defence Authority applied on 6 March for my right hon. and learned Friend's approval under section 19 of the Fire Services Act 1947 to certain changes in operational fire cover, including the removal of 15 fire appliances from stations around London. No station closures are involved. Correspondence has been received from 53 hon. Members regarding the proposed changes. The application is under consideration.
My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State has also met my hon. Friends the Members for Twickenham Mr. Jessel) and for Battersea Mr. Bowis) and the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey.