§ Mr. WilshireTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on Surrey County Council's application for permission to close Staines and Sunbury-on-Thames fire stations and replace them with a single new fire station based in the Spelthorne constituency. [53216]
§ Mr. George HowarthSurrey County Council has applied for approval, under section 19(4) of the Fire Services Act 1947, to the above change in fire cover arrangements. In considering such an application, my right hon. Friend grants approval only where he is satisfied that the fire authority has consulted as appropriate and that the national standards of fire cover will be maintained. The County Council's application, and the representations that we have received, are being carefully considered in consultation with her Majesty's Fire Service Inspectorate.