§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the Scottish Office budget for fire services in Scotland in cash terms and at 1998–99 prices for(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98 and (d) 1998–99; and what is his estimate for (i) 1999–2000, (ii) 2000–01 and (iii) 2001–02. [76867]
§ Mr. McLeish[holding answer 16 March 1999]Fire services in Scotland are a local government responsibility. Total financial provision made available by the Secretary of State for local authority spending on fire services in the form of Grant Aided Expenditure, and capital allocations, together with direct central Government expenditure, has been as follows:
£ million Year Cash Terms 1998–99 Prices 1995–96 149 161 1996–97 164 173 1997–98 184 189 1998–99 189 189 1999–2000 197 192 2000–01 206 197 2001–02 213 198 Sources:
For the years 1993–94 to 1998–99: Departmental Reports and GAE announcements.
For the years 1999–2000 to 2001–02: Comprehensive Spending Review.
As from 1 July 1999, financial provision for the fire service in Scotland will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.