§ Mr. BatesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to make a decision on the provision of fire fighting services in Cleveland.
§ Mr. Charles WardleIn the light of advice which my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary has received from the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council and from Her Majesty's chief inspector of fire services, he proposes when local government in Cleveland is reorganised, to establish a combined fire authority for Cleveland. The combined authority will take over the functions under the Fire Services Act 1947 which are currently exercised by Cleveland county council, and will consist of members drawn from the four unitary authorities which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment proposes to establish in the Cleveland area when the county council is abolished.