§ Mr. Whitlockasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence he has received that in accordance with the requirements of the Fire Services Acts adequate consultations took place with the representatives of the firemen and all other interested parties before proposals were made to him by the Nottinghamshire county council for changes in the establishment scheme of the county fire brigade.
§ Mr. WhitelawIt is my practice before considering an application for approval of variation of an establishment scheme to ask to be informed about the consultations which the fire authority has carried out on its proposals, the objections to the proposals which may have been made to the fire authority, and the nature of the fire authority's response to the objections. Before I reach a decision on the proposals which have been made to me by the Nottinghamshire county council I shall wish to be satisfied on these matters.
§ Mr. Dunnettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, having regard to the likely lack of fire protection cover both in the city of Nottingham and in the adjoining areas which would result from the removal of one of the two pumping appliances from the Dunkirk fire station in Nottingham, he will, under the Fire Services Acts, call for a local inquiry prior to approving the envisaged reduction in establishment; and if not, why not.
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§ Mr. WhitelawUntil I have considered the proposals which I have received from the Nottingham county council for varying the establishment scheme for its area, and the objections which have been received, including those from the Nottingham city council, I cannot say whether a public local inquiry will be necessary.