§ 26. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the criticisms passed by the recent conference of firemen in Glasgow regarding the payment of high salaries to Auxiliary Fire Service officials who are still carrying on their own businesses; and whether he will take steps to prevent wasteful expenditure of this nature?
§ Mr. ColvilleI have seen a report of the views expressed at the conference to which the hon. Member refers. Salaries are paid only to whole-time officers of the Auxiliary Fire Service and are approved by me after consideration of all the relevant circumstances. In Scotland there are only eight cases in which a salary reaches £300 a year, and I am not aware of any wasteful expenditure in this connection. If the hon. Member has any specific cases in mind, however, perhaps he will send me details.
§ Mr. MathersDoes the Minister not agree that it would be well, in respect of the higher ranks of this service, to recruit the personnel from those who have had actual service?
§ Mr. ColvilleActual experience is always valuable.