Clause 2 - Power to create combined fire and rescue authorities
Fire and Rescue Services Bill
10:00 am
Mr Richard Younger-Ross (Shadow Minister, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Local Government & the Regions; Teignbridge, Liberal Democrat)
The hon. Gentleman is making some exceedingly good points about public perception. I was talking to friends in outer London, where, if the Bain report recommendations are implemented, there may be major status changes with whole-time fire stations becoming retained fire stations. The hon. Gentleman's point about public perception will be valid if the changes are seen to be made for cost savings—which they would if the clause remains unamended—rather than in the name of public safety.