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117
appeal, however, that the limit of the rate prescribed by the Fire
Brigade Act has hitherto precluded this increase, and the question
arises from what source the additional funds are to be drawn.
The Fire Brigade has three sources of income, viz.: a contribution
from Her Majesty's Treasury, a contribution from the Fire
Insurance Offices, and the Rates.
3. In view of the fact that a further prevention of the destruction of
property by fire would diminish the loss of the Fire Insurance
Offices, your Committee concur in the views expressed by the
Vestry of Islington and other local authorities to the effect that
the Fire Insurance Companies should be required to contribute
towards the additional expense incurred in increasing the efficiency
of the Brigade.
4. Upon the second point, the Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade thinks
that danger might result from placing the keys of fireplugs at the
disposal of persons not acquainted with the water supply. Your
Committee, however, would remark that the saving of even five
minutes' time at the outbreak of a fire is frequently of the utmost
importance, and may make all the difference between a small fire
and one of considerable magnitude. They are necessarily ignorant
of the danger which the Chief Officer contemplates, but they
conceive little difficulty need be experienced in instructing
selected officers or men of the Police Force in the use of the plugs
and the general system of water supply for Fire Brigade purposes.
Your Committee would therefore suggest that the London County
Council be requested to further consider this question.
5. The alteration or removal of obstructive posts in the public
streets, as suggested by the' Committee, the Metropolitan Board
of Works consider would be an advantage. Your Committee
accordingly recommend that the Vestry Clerk be instructed to
communicate with the Sutton Estate Office on the subject of the
posts at the western end of Vigo Street, with a view to their being
removed altogether or replaced with a plain iron bar which would
admit of being readily opened or removed if necessary for the
passage of a Fire-Engine or Fire-Escape.
(i. With regard to the suggested enquiry into the cause of fires
involving the destruction of property exceeding £500 in value,
your Committee recommend that the London County Council be
asked to introduce a Bill into Parliament upon the same lines as