§ 193. Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the current capability of the fire service in Wales to cope with the demands made upon it; and what representations he has had from the Fire Brigades Union on the resourcing of the service.
§ Mr. Peter Lloyd[holding answer 10 February 1993]: I have been asked to reply.
On the basis of reports of inspections during 1992 by Her Majesty's inspectorate of fire services, I am broadly satisfied that fire authorities in Wales are in this financial year complying with the nationally recommended minimum standards of fire cover and with the statutory duties under the Fire Services Act 1947. Her Majesty's inspectorate has, where appropriate, drawn the authorities' attention to some minor areas where they are failing to comply with these standards and duties. I have received no representations from the Fire Brigades Union specifically about the resourcing of the fire service in Wales, but my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State has discussed some resource issues relating to the fire service more generally with representatives of the Fire Brigades Union last November.