§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fire brigades failed to meet the statutory minimum standards for their rescue and firefighting role in(a) Scotland, (b) England and (c) Northern Ireland in 1995–96; and if he will make a statement. [19758]
§ Mr. SackvilleI am satisfied that, in general, all brigades in England and Wales remain able to meet the nationally recommended standards of fire cover which are442W set out in terms of the response times that fire brigades are expected to maintain. Her Majesty's inspectors of fire services draw attention to any exceptions in the course of their inspections of brigades. It is for the fire authority concerned to take the appropriate action in any such case. Responsibilities for brigades in Scotland and Northern Ireland are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, respectively.