§ Lord Ponsonby of Shulbredeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have reached a decision on the application by the Essex Fire Authority under Section 19 of the Fire Services Act 1947. [HL2599]
§ Lord Williams of MostynMy honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Mr. George Howarth) has today advised the Essex Fire Authority that my right honourable friend the Home Secretary has agreed to its application to redeploy an aerial appliance and two foam carrying vehicles, with a consequent reduction of 16 firefighting posts and the regrading of a further post.
The advice we have received from Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Fire Services is unequivocal, that the proposals to redeploy the appliances are soundly based and that, if implemented by the authority, the Essex Fire Brigade will still be able to meet fully the national standards of fire cover.
Statutory responsibility for the provision of an efficient fire service rests with the local fire authority. In considering applications by fire authorities for reductions in firefighting resources, my right honourable friend must be satisfied that there has been adequate consultation and that, following any reductions, national standards of fire cover can continue to be maintained. In fulfilling this function, my right honourable friend relies on advice from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Fire Services.
Both my right honourable friend and my honourable friend are satisfied that the Essex Fire Authority has consulted properly over its proposals. There has also been opportunity for representations to be made direct to the Home Secretary and those seven which have been received have all been thoroughly considered.