HC Deb 03 July 2001 vol 371 c112W
23. Mr. Paterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on Fire Brigade cover in north Shropshire. [674]

Dr. Whitehead

Responsibility for providing fire services in north Shropshire rests with Shropshire and Wrekin fire authority. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is considering an application from the authority under section 19 of the Fire Services Act 1947 which includes the replacement of two pumping appliances by one with a larger crewing capacity at both Whitchurch and Market Drayton. He will not grant approval unless satisfied that national fire cover standards will be maintained.