§ Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he will take to ensure that the Tyne and Wear Fire and Civil Defence Authority has sufficient funds to meet(a) its statutory duties and (b) its minimum recommended standard of service in 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [18989]
§ Mr. RaynsfordStatutory responsibility rests with the Tyne and Wear Fire and Civil Defence Authority to set a budget which will allow it to meet its statutory duties and maintain the national standards of fire cover. As part of the provisional local government finance settlement, announced by the Deputy Prime Minister on 2 December, 421W the Authority will be able to increase its budget requirement for 1998–99 by up to £1.736 million (4.5 per cent.)