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Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Answer

David Davis: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister under what powers he would implement the regionalisation of the Fire and Rescue Service in Humberside without the consent of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. [149592] Sir Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister under what powers he would implement the regionalisation of the Fire and Rescue Service in Cheshire without the consent of Cheshire County Council. [149410] Mr. Raynsford: The White Paper, "Our Fire and Rescue Service" (Cm 5808), made clear that where voters choose to have an Elected Regional Assembly, there will be a Regional Fire and Rescue Service. Until this occurs, local Fire and Rescue Authorities will continue to be responsible for the service. They are, however, expected to establish, by 1 April 2004, Regional Management Boards to deliver the functions which are most efficiently and effectively performed at a regional level. I hope these voluntary arrangements will succeed. There are, however, provisions in the Fire and Rescue Services Bill currently before the House to strengthen and streamline the power that already exists, in section 6 of the Fire Services Act 1947, to combine Fire and Rescue Authorities following consultation with the existing authorities and other persons affected. Provision for the establishment of a Regional Fire and Rescue Authority following a `yes' vote in a referendum will be included in the proposed English Regional Assemblies Bill, a draft of which we will do our best to publish before the referendums in autumn 2004.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

416 c1462W; 149592

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Fire and rescue services Humberside Reform

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk