§ Mr. AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the future of the fire service.
§ Mr. John PattenThe Government wish to see the fire service in Great Britain maintain the present high level of service while giving the best value for money to the public. It is the Government's view that this can be achieved within existing administrative structures.
§ Sir Peter BlakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if Her Majesty's Government have arty plans to privatise the fire service.
§ Mr. John PattenI refer my right hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Bradford, South (Mr. Cryer) on 10 January.