HC Deb 04 December 1979 vol 975 cc100-1W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the fire cover provided by the Merseyside fire services; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brittan

Under the Fire Services Acts, responsibility for securing the provision for its area of such a fire brigade and such equipment as may be necessary to meet all normal requirements rests with the fire authority. I have no reason to believe that the Merseyside county council is failing to discharge these statutory duties.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated savings through public expenditure cuts in the Merseyside fire services over the next two years.

Mr. Brittan

It is for the Merseyside county council to decide the pattern of its expenditure and the allocation between services, including the Merseyside fire brigade, in the light of local needs and conditions.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the establishment of the Merseyside fire service; and what is the total number currently employed.

Mr. Brittan

The authorised establishment of the Merseyside fire brigade provides for a total of 1,528 members of the brigade. I understand that the total number employed on 31 October was 1,601.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received against proposed public expenditure cuts in the Merseyside fire services.

Mr. Brittan

None.