§ Lord Shepherdasked Her Majesty's Government:
What decision has been made on the application under Section 19 of the Fire Services Act 1947 of the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority to reduce its firefighting resources. [HL1102]
§ Lord Williams of MostynMy honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Mr. George Howarth) has today advised the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority that my right honourable friend the Home Secretary has agreed to its application to close the Barbican and Shooters Hill fire stations, to change the arrangements for the provision of fire cover on the River Thames and to make a consequent reduction in the establishment of London Fire Brigade of 80 firefighting posts.
The statutory responsibility for the provision of an efficient fire service rests with the local fire authority. 204WA In considering applications by fire authorities for reductions in firefighting resources, my right honourable friend has to 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 London Fire and Civil Defence Authority has consulted widely over its proposals. There has also been opportunity over some months for representations to be made direct to the Home Office and a considerable number, including representations from right honourable and honourable Members, have been received. These have all been thoroughly considered, particularly those relating to the proposed closure of the fire stations at the Barbican and Shooters Hill. We have taken into account the points raised by honourable Members in the debate on the Adjournment in another place on 10 March. We have sought the professional advice of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Fire Services, and, specifically, of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector.
The advice that we have received from Her Majesty's Chief Inspector is unequivocal that, following the proposed reductions, the London Fire Brigade would still be able to meet fully the agreed national standards of fire cover in the areas immediately affected by the changes and elsewhere in the capital. The Chief Inspector has, in particular, confirmed that the authority's proposal to cover the fireground currently served by Shooters Hill from the fire stations at East Greenwich, Plumstead, Woolwich, Eltham, Lee Green and Bexley is wholly consistent with the continued maintenance of the national standards, as is the proposal to cover the Barbican fireground from the fire stations at Dowgate, Clerkenwell and Shoreditch.
Taking full account of this advice and after the most careful consideration, my right honourable friend has therefore decided to approve the authority's application. The implementation of these proposed changes is now a matter for the authority.