§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether there are adequate fire appliances under the control of his Department to deal with the present emergency; what plans he has to update this equipment; and whether, following his proposals earlier in the current year to close some of the depots at which Government equipment is stored and serviced, there are adequate facilities for the storage and servicing of equipment for such emergencies.
§ Mr. Harry EwingAs my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department explained on 9th November 1977—[Vol. 938, c. 671–7.]—the Government do not claim that the appliances made available to fire authorities in the present emergency can match those provided for the regular Fire Service. The emergency cover is the best that can be provided in the circumstances and is under continuous review. The maintenance of stocks of appliances after the present dispute is settled, and the associated questions of storage and servicing are being considered.