HC Deb 09 July 1942 vol 381 cc919-20
20. Commander Locker-Lampson

asked the Home Secretary whether he will repeal the new regulations in the National Fire Service involving different shifts and different time off, as they have met with so much opposition?

Mr. H. Morrison

No new regulations have been issued, but I have informed the representatives of the trade unions concerned that I propose to institute a standard system of duty in the National Fire Service as soon as practicable. I have fully considered the whole question, including the objections which have been raised, but I have come to the conclusion that it is necessary to adopt the proposed duty system which is already in force over a large part of the country, on operational considerations which must be paramount.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Will the Minister receive a deputation on this matter?

Mr. Morrison

We are in frequent consultation with the Trades Union Joint Consultative Committee, of which the Fire Brigade Union are a part, and it is always open to them to make representations.