To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the fire authority budget for 1997; and if he will make a statement. [10377]

My hon. Friend the Member for Croydon, Central (Sir P. Beresford), the Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, met a delegation from Tyne and Wear fire and civil defence authority on 10 January to hear representations about our proposals for the 1996–97 local government finance settlement.

Is the Minister aware that, as a result of the budget announced yesterday, Tyne and Wear fire authority faces the prospect of having to cut 92 fire-fighters and four appliances, but that we could avoid that if he would set the cap higher? Will he please bear that in mind when he determines the cap?

There is a set procedure if local or other authorities come to determination. The hon. Gentleman will be aware what that procedure is, and we shall of course pursue it scrupulously. There has been a 2 per cent. increase in Tyne and Wear's permitted budget—£500,000—to allow a catch-up because of the circumstances of last year's settlement. The hon. Gentleman will be aware of the local auditor's report, which suggests where certain savings could be made by the fire authority.