§ Mrs. Ewingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to introduce legislation to increase the penalties for maliciously calling out the fire brigade.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees:The maximum penalty for giving false fire alarms to a fire brigade is three months' imprisonment or a fine of £50. The maximum amount of the fine was recently increased by the Criminal Justice Act, 1967, from £25. My right hon. Friend has no reason to believe that any further increase in these penalties is necessary.