§ Angela SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has reached a decision on the application under section 19 of the Fire Services Act 1947 of the Essex Fire Authority. [49464]
§ Mr. George HowarthI have today advised the Essex Fire Authority that my right hon. Friend 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 352W 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 hon. 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 hon. Friend relies on advice from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Fire Services.
Both my right hon. Friend and I 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.