§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what account he has taken, or will take, when considering the adequacy of fire appliance coverage in the area of and adjacent to that of the London Docklands development corporation of the planned industrial and business development up to the year 2000. [25542]
§ Mr. SackvilleStatutory responsibility for the provision of an efficient fire service is a matter for the fire authority concerned. Any fire authority wishing to reduce the operational capacity of its brigade, including the number of fire appliances, must seek the approval of my right hon. and learned Friend under section 19 of the Fire Services Act 1947. His practice is to grant approval only where he is satisfied that the nationally recommended standards of fire cover will be maintained. The position would be considered by reference to the category of fire risk of the area as it stood at the time of the application. In the event of future property development, it would be up to the fire authority to take account of the new circumstances. Her Majesty's inspectorate of fire service monitors performance in meeting the standards of fire cover as part of the annual inspection process.