DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CO. LTD. v. HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL CAPITAL & COUNTIES PLC v. SAME JOHN MUNROE (ACRYLICS) LTD. v. LONDON FIRE BRIGADE AND CIVIL DEFENCE AUTHORITY AND OTHERS CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS (GREAT BRITAIN) v. WEST YORKSHIRE FIRE & CIVIL DEFENCE AUTHORITY

[1997] 2 Lloyd's Rep. 161

COURT OF APPEAL

Before Lord Justice Stuart-Smith, Lord Justice Potter and Lord Justice Judge

Negligence - Duty of care - Statutory duty - Fire brigades called out to fight fires - Allegation that fire brigade negligent in fighting fire - Whether fire brigade under common law duty - Duty of care to answer calls to fires or to take reasonable care to do so - Whether duty to take care owed to owners of property on fire - Whether fair and reasonable to impose duty to take care - Whether immunity conferred on fire brigade for breach of statutory duty or negligence - Whether right of private action conferred on party injured by breach of duty of care by fire brigade - Fire Services Act, 1947, ss. 13, 30.