Grants for the maintenance of hydrants have been reduced in this year's budget from $10 million to $8.5 million.

Prime Minister Golding admitted that the provision was inadequate but said it was the best the Government could do under the circumstance.

The prime minister said it costs an average $100,000 to replace a hydrant.

The Fire Brigade has been allocated $2.4 billion to cover recurrent expenses. The brigade has also been allocated $136 million for capital projects, an increase over the $115 million spent last year after Government had revised its original allocation down from $215 million.

Twenty-six million dollars has been provided for the rehabilitation of fire units. The figure has come down from $40 million last year.

- D.L.