§ 3. Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what 1492 initiatives the Government will now be taking to help improve morale in the Fire Service arising from their discussions with the fire authorities.
§ Mr. MaudlingIf I am right in thinking that the hon. Member has in mind the recommendations in the Holroyd Report about communications and relationships within the service and local consultative machinery, the answer is that I have not yet had the views of all the organisations concerned.
§ Mr. SillarsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the direct relationship between wages and morale in the Fire Service? Is he aware also that firemen are decidedly apprehensive about the future purchasing power of the Fire Service wages if we enter the E.E.C. and become involved in the higher food prices which are inherent in the acceptance of the common agricultural policy? Can the right hon. Gentleman give a firm assurance that, if prices increase because of Britain's entry into Europe, Fire Service wages will also be increased?
§ Mr. MaudlingThe hon. Gentleman is trying to trap me into going a little beyond the scope of the Question. There has been a recent pay settlement, and we have established the Cunningham Committee which is looking at the relative position of firemen. I think that we must await the report of that body.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesAs the Holroyd Report was received about a year ago, is it not taking a long time to get discussions completed?
§ Mr. MaudlingIt takes more than one to make a discussion. I am still awaiting the views of people for whose comments I have asked.