HC Deb 28 November 1946 vol 430 c1757
15. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the Fire Brigades Union is not represented on the National Joint Council for Officers of the N.F.S.

Mr. Ede

There are two National Joint Councils, one for officers and one for the junior ranks, and the Fire Brigades Union is represented on the Council for the junior ranks.

Mr. Davies

Is the Minister aware that a large number of firemen officers, who are members of the Fire Brigades Union, are not represented on the joint councils for officers? Would it not be better if there were only one joint council to cover the two sections, officers and other ranks?

Mr. Ede

I have to arrange these joint councils in connection not merely with representatives of the men but with representatives of the future employing authorities, and I have not been able to get agreement that only one council should be constituted.