Oral Answers to Questions

James Gray Excerpts
Monday 14th December 2015

(8 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Greg Clark Portrait Greg Clark
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I can certainly confirm that. They are two distinct services with proud and distinct histories, but, as I think my hon. Friend would acknowledge, the opportunities for them to work together should be taken, whenever it could make a difference to people on the ground.

James Gray Portrait Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con)
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I was greatly encouraged by what the Secretary of State said about amalgamating services, particularly with local authorities. Wiltshire fire service has been in discussion with the first-class, Conservative-controlled Wiltshire Unitary Council. Will he encourage the fire service, which has also been negotiating with Dorset council, to seek to find areas of co-operation with Wiltshire council?

Greg Clark Portrait Greg Clark
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That is a matter for the local services. The consultation proposes requiring that those discussions take place, but it is up to them what they conclude.