HC Deb 03 February 1942 vol 377 cc1067-8W
Sir W. Smiles

asked the Home Secretary how many complaints he has received from local authorities that petrol and tyres are being wasted by the provision of motor-cars of an unnecessary high horse-power for the senior officers of the National Fire Service, and in wasteful and prolonged mobile exercises?

Mr. H. Morrison

Representations of this character have been received from some 10 individual local authorities. As to the use of unnecessarily high horse-powered cars, the attention of the chief regional fire officers and fire force commanders has on more than one occasion been drawn to the necessity for avoiding any unnecessary consumption of petrol in this respect, and the allocation of staff cars is at present under review. Some increase of petrol consumption for staff purposes is, however, unavoidable because of the larger areas of administration. For reasons which I have indicated in reply to another Question I cannot accept the suggestion that these exercises, or the scale on which they are now being carried out, are in any sense wasteful.

Sir W. Smiles

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the consumption of petrol by the fire services in Blackburn in June last was 666 gallons, and in December last was 2,016 gallons; and if he is satisfied that the extra amount used was in the national interest?

Mr. Morrison

The consumption of petrol by the Blackburn Fire Brigade during the six months preceding the constitution of the National Fire Service in August, 1940, was:

Gallons.
February 745
March 1,140
April 1,110
May 1,107
June 666
July 882

I have made careful inquiry regarding the particular figures quoted by my hon. Friend and find they are by no means comparable. The December figure represents the consumption of petrol by all the National Fire Service vehicles centred on Blackburn whether or not they are employed only in the borough. Extravagant use of petrol by the National Fire Service will not be countenanced, but I would remind my hon. Friend that intensive exercises and practices have been found necesary to achieve the standard of proficiency required in the new Service. This standard has by no means yet been reached in many areas and an increased use of petrol to achieve it is not merely defensible; it is a necessity in the national interest. Inadequate exercise and practice may cost the nation dear later on.