§ Mr. WoodTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what representations he has received and from which bodies over the apparent reduction in mains water pressures by some water companies; what assessment he has made of the extent of the problems;194W and what assessment he has made of the potential effect upon the Fire Service's fire fighting capability; [50082]
(2) what arrangements are in place for ensuring that fire authorities are satisfactorily discharged from obligations under Section 13 of the Fire Services Act 1947. [50081]
§ Mr. George HowarthRepresentations have been made by the Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association and the Local Government Association. The problems appear to be limited. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has established a National Liaison Group with representatives of the water industry, the Fire Service and the Home Office to improve communications at national and local levels. The Group is producing a code of practice which will provide guidance to water companies and the Fire Service on issues relating to water for firefighting. The code should help fire authorities discharge their statutory duty under section 13 and ensure the supply of water for firefighting.