§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what change there has been in the standards of fire cover by the London fire brigade since 31 March 1979; and whether he plans to permit any increase in the net number of fire appliances or in the recruitment of firefighters for the brigade.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThere has been no change since 1979 in the nationally applied recommended minimum standards of fire cover. Comprehensive information is not 731W held centrally about the changes made by individual fire authorities to the level and disposition of fire cover in their areas.
We have received no proposals from the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority in respect of the establishment scheme for the London fire brigade for 1987–88. Such a scheme has to be submitted by 1 January 1987 and when received it will be carefully considered on its merits.