Clause 2 - Power to create combined fire and rescue authorities
Fire and Rescue Services Bill
2:30 pm
Mr Stephen McCabe (Birmingham, Hall Green, Labour)
Herein lies what we might describe as a continuity problem. I was suggesting before the interval that we were witnessing something fascinating. The benefit of a three-hour interval means that I have had an opportunity to reflect on my use of hyperbole. None the less, I was suggesting to the hon. Member for Teignbridge (Richard Younger-Ross) that we are witnessing something interesting in terms of his views, and those of his Liberal Democrat colleague the hon. Member for Southport (Dr. Pugh), on regional and localised participation. That is confused, because they do not differentiate between primary and secondary mandate in some situations.
The real point that I want to put to the hon. Member for Teignbridge is that the Bill is about modernising the fire and rescue services. Has he had letters from constituents saying that when they are in need of the service, they are concerned about the administrative organisation under which the service is provided? If so, how many? Surely we are trying to provide a modern fire service that is fit for use, effective and efficient. That is the meat of the Bill, and that is what the Committee should be concerned with.