§ 19. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the various duties which firemen are expected to discharge; how many firemen in Great Britain are employed in cleaning fire stations; how many man-hours are spent in this way; why firemen are so employed; and if he will arrange the release of firemen from those duties so that they may devote their time to fire prevention work and employ cleaners for cleaning duties.
§ Mr. WoodhouseThe position in England and Wales as regards the duties on which firemen are employed is similar to that in Scotland, and I cannot usefully add to the reply given yesterday to the hon. and learned Member by my hon. Friend, the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Under-Secretary agree that the reforms implicit in my Question are of a very constructive and serious character, and long overdue, and will he take urgent steps to implement them?
§ Mr. WoodhouseHowever much I might agree with the hon. and learned Gentleman—and I have much sympathy with what he says—the responsibility rests with the local fire authorities.