§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the letter sent by his department to all local authorities responsible for fire services, including Derbyshire county council, regarding the need for consultations before cuts in fire cover, was implemented by all local authorities.
§ Mr. WhitelawNo circular letter has been sent to fire authorities about the procedures to be followed in seeking my approval under section 19 of the Fire Services Act 1947, as amended, for variations of the establishment schemes for their areas. It is, however, my practice before exercising my powers under the section, to ask to be informed of the outcome of the consultations which the fire authority has carried out on its proposals.