Clause 3 - Creation of combined fire and rescue authorities: supplementary
Fire and Rescue Services Bill
5:00 pm
Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Cotswold, Conservative)
We might be able to dispose of the clause if we can deal with matters expeditiously, but we will need some answers from the Minister. We do not want to hear the ill-tempered outbursts that we heard from him a few minutes ago. If we can get some answers as to how the council tax payers on whom a precept for the new category 2 authorities will be issued will have their rights protected, and if we are told how they will be consulted about the new precept, we might be able to deal with the matter more expeditiously. If we do not get those answers, we will need to examine subsection (3)(g) in detail, as well as issues such as the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981, valuations and outstanding liabilities. Many matters in the clause could be dealt with. Perhaps the Minister will now tell us clearly how the new combined precept is to be operated and how local council tax payers will be protected.
Debate adjourned.—[Mr. Jim Murphy.]
Adjourned accordingly at five minutes past Five o'clock till Thursday 12 February at twenty-five minutes past Nine o'clock.