HC Deb 06 March 1996 vol 273 c243W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what account has been taken of the geographic area in which fire brigades have to operate in calculating the size of management teams. [18657]

Mr. Sackville

Responsibility for the management of fire brigade services in their areas is a matter for individual fire authorities.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the percentage shortfall of finance for the provision of fire service pay increases; and what assessment he has made of its impact upon Cheshire county council. [18732]

Mr. Sackville

The impact of national pay awards on individual fire authorities will vary according to their particular circumstances. Like every other fire authority, Cheshire county council has a responsibility to set its budget having regard to all the relevant circumstances, including the size of the nationally agreed pay awards.