§ Mr. Sainsburyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total amount of money advanced under the Fire Precautions (Loans) Act 1973.
§ Dr. SummerskillWe are not in a position to give detailed information about the operation of the Fire Precautions (Loans) Act 1973 since the decision whether or not to meet applications for loans is, within the limits of the scheme, entirely a matter for the local authorities concerned. By 1st March 1976 loan sanctions totalling £4,177,359 had been granted to local authorities in England and Wales to enable them to provide loans under the Act, but reports from local authorities indicate that only limited use has been made of this authority.
§ Mr. Sainsburyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive a report from the sub-committee of the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council on prioriies and a timetable for future designations under the Fire Precautions Act 1971.
§ Dr. SummerskillSome research will be required before the sub-committee can begin its work. It is not likely to make recommendations before next year.