§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many firemen have been injured in Wales in the line of duty in each year since 1980.
§ Mr. Charles WardleNumbers of firefighters killed or seriously injured in Wales in the line of duty in each year since 1980 are shown in the following table. Serious injuries are defined as those which result in absence of duty for at least one month.
Serious injuries Fatalities 1980 37 — 1981 50 — 1982 42 — 1983 26 — 1984 21 — 1985 76 — 1986 51 — 1987 34 1 1988 50 — 1989 36 — 1990 59 1 1991 42 1 1992 50 —
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how he proposes to ensure that the fire services in the counties of Wales will retain their professionalism in the proposed reorganised local government units; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles WardleOn the date of reorganisation of local government in Wales, my right hon. and learned 825W Friend proposes to establish three combined fire authorities with responsibility for providing fire services in Wales. We believe that this will improve the strategic capability of fire services in Wales, and ensure that they continue to operate effectively and efficiently. Her Majesty's inspectorate of fire services will continue to report to me on the manner in which fire authorities in Wales are performing their statutory duties under the Fire Services Act 1947. I am confident that the new brigades, and the officers serving in them, will maintain and continue to develop the high level of professionalism with which fire services in Wales are provided.