§ Mr. LeeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he expects to receive any proposals from Lancashire county fire brigade on fire cover in Lancashire; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenI understand that the chief fire officer of Lancashire fire brigade has recently completed a review of fire risk categorisation and standards of fire cover; and that he has presented his report and findings to the public protection committee of Lancashire county council.
The fire authority has decided to consult widely within the county. This exercise, which will include district and town councils, local Members of Parliament and the fire service trade unions, is not expected to be completed until the end of August at the earliest.
A fire authority which proposes to reduce the operational establishment of its brigade is required to seek the approval of my right hon. and learned Friend to the reductions under the terms of section 19 of the Fire Service Act 1947. My right hon. and learned Friend is committed to maintaining nationally recommended minimum standards of fire cover and to the maintenance of an effective fire service.
§ Mr. LeeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current strength of the retained fire service in Pendle; and what is its annual cost and the cost per call-out.
§ Mr. John PattenThe combined retained strength of the four fire stations in Pendle is 55 firefighters operating six retained fire appliances.
I understand from Lancashire county fire brigade that it does not hold information on the specific cost of the retained service in Pendle and it is not, therefore, possible to produce the costings requested.