§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to increase the rate support grant for Clwyd to enable the county to avoid both the closure of fire stations and cutbacks in fire stations, with specific reference to the Buckley and Queensferry fire stations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerIt is primarily for the local authority to determine its own spending priorities from within available resources. However, the Home Secretary's approval under section 19 of the Fire Services Act 1947 (as amended by section 7 of the 1959 act) would be required before any reduction in fire cover in Clwyd could be implemented.