HC Deb 15 June 1999 vol 333 cc91-2W
Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance his Department gives to the Fire Service on(a) the location of and (b) distances between hydrants. [86299]

Mr. George Howarth

The Home Office issued guidance to the Fire Service on water hydrants in the "Manual of Firemanship, Book 7". The most recent edition (dated 1997) states on page 73 thathydrants are normally placed at intervals of between 90 and 180 metres, except in the case of high risks and rural areas".

Further guidance on water hydrants is issued by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.