§ Baroness Pitkeathleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to repeal Section 19 of the Fire Services Act 1947, as recommended by the Bain review. [HL873]
§ Lord RookerThe repeal of Section 19 of the Fire Services Act 1947 is an essential element of the move to risk-based fire cover which is at the centre of the recommendations of the Independent Review of the Fire Service—the Bain review. The Deputy Prime Minister announced on Monday 16 December that he would take the earliest opportunity to make the necessary amendment to the Fire Services Act. The Deputy Prime Minister is now announcing that he shall be proposing an amendment to the Local Government Bill which is currently before the House.
This demonstrates the Government's commitment to fulfil our part of the programme of modernisation proposed by the Bain review.