HC Deb 14 November 1966 vol 736 c30W
Mr. Harry Howarth

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will hold an independent inquiry into the Fire Service.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have decided to set up a Departmental Committee to inquire into the fire service in Great Britain. The Committee will have the following terms of referenceTo inquire into and make recommendations on—

  1. (a) the principles which should govern the organisation of the fire service in Great Britain;
  2. (b) the relationship between the central Government and local fire authorities; the functions of the fire service; measures for maintaining its efficiency; the arrangements for recruiting and training its members and ensuring that the best use is made of the manpower available; and the machinery for determining pay and conditions of service;
  3. (c) the need for further fire prevention measures;
  4. (d) fire research and the application of its results.

I am glad to say that Sir Ronald Holroyd, F.R.S., has accepted our invitation to be Chairman of the Committee.

Forward to