HC Deb 21 June 1948 vol 452 cc113-4W
102. Mr. Erroll

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, in view of the great difficulty in finding accommodation of any sort, he has refused to allow a grant for the purchase of a house for the Chief Fire Officer for the Cheshire County Fire Brigade; and what assistance will he give to the County Council in their efforts to find accommodation.

Mr. Younger

It is the policy of the Government when property is acquired for the public service not to authorise the payment of prices in excess of those calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947. The price paid by the Cheshire County Council was much in excess of this figure. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his Question on 16th June.

103. Mr. Erroll

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when will he make a decision on the allowances to be paid to Chief Fire Officers in lieu of the provision of a house.

Mr. Younger

Appropriate provision on this point has already been made in the Fire Services (Ranks and Conditions of Service) Regulations, 1948, under which the amount of the allowance is determined by the Fire Authority, subject to my right hon. Friend's approval. There is, therefore, no need for any further general decision upon it at present.