§ Mr. Tom Coxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what charges are levied upon a farmer who calls out the fire brigade to deal with straw or stubble burning.
§ Mr. MellorBy virtue of section 3(4) of the Fire Services Act 1947, no charges may be levied by fire220W authorities for fire-fighting. It is important to minimise any delay in calling the fire brigade to a fire in order to prevent the fire becoming too difficult to control or spreading to adjoining property. If farmers commit an offence against local byelaws when burning straw or stubble, they are liable to prosecution.