§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of the appropriate level of firefighting facilities and staff in the Northolt and Greenford area; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what proposals he has received for the reduction of the number of fire engines at Northolt fire station; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenIt is for the London fire and civil defence authority to assess the resources necessary to meet efficiently the fire risks in the Northolt and Greenford area. Any proposals to reduce the numbers of operational firefighters or firefighting appliances—and we have received none from the authority—would require my right hon. Friend's approval under section 19 of the Fire Services Act 1947. In deciding whether to grant it, we should want to be satisfied that the London fire and civil defence authority would continue to be able to meet the nationally recommended minimum standards of fire cover.