Firemen (Working Hours)

HC Deb 08 June 1978 vol 951 cc357-8

11. Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received about the failure to implement the 42-hour week for firemen; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Summerskill

The National Executive Council of the Fire Brigades Union came to see my right hon. Friend at its request on 9th May when it expressed its continuing and increasing concern about the lack of progress towards the 42-hour week. I understand that at the meeting of the National Joint Council for Local Authorities' Fire Brigades on 2nd June the Employers' Side tabled detailed proposals which were discussed by the two Sides, who are to meet again on 9th June.

Mr. Skinner

Is my hon. Friend aware, however, that the Tory-dominated local authorities which are dealing with this settlement are to some extent trying to wreck it? Is she aware, for instance, that some of the proposals are for reduced fire cover and for introducing more part-time personnel, as distinct from recruiting the 6,000 or so who are needed in order to get the 42-hour week implemented? Will she and her right hon. Friend give a guarantee that every dot and comma of the firemen's settlement of last winter, which was supposed to be honoured by the Government, will be implemented?

Dr. Summerskill

I assure my hon. Friend that the Government remain committed to their desire to see put into effect the agreement concerning the 42-hour week, which ended the recent dis- pute. My right hon. Friend has seen both sides in the negotiations and is ready at all times to help in any way that he can, and he is keeping in close touch with developments.

Mr. Whitelaw

If this agreement is to be implemented in full, can the hon. Lady give a guarantee that the Government, through the Treasury, will deal with the local authorities financially, to make sure that they have the money in order to implement the agreement?

Dr. Summerskill

It is understood by both sides that the Government, through the rate support grant, are willing to meet their share of the cost of introducing the 42-hour week.