§ Mr. TippingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to merge and create larger fire services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydApart from any combinations of fire authorities which appear necessary as a consequence of the reviews of local government in England and Wales, my right hon. and learned Friend has no present plans to combine fire authorities. Our proposals to replace the present eight fire authorities in Wales with three combined fire authorities are set out in the White Paper on the future of local government in Wales.