§ Major Petoasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the introduction 1370W of the increased tour of duty for firemen in the Midlands area has had the effect of withdrawing from industry a substantial contribution which was made by firemen on their alternate off-duty shifts; and whether, in view of the desirability of enabling firemen to engage in productive work to the largest possible degree, he will make new arrangements to this end?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI am aware that such representations have been made, but I cannot accept the principle that operational efficiency should be reduced in order to give full-time firemen greater opportunities of obtaining secondary employment, even though that work may be related to the national effort. As regards the desirability of enabling members of the National Fire Service to undertake productive work in industry, my hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that arrangements are being made to release from the service as many men as possible for this purpose.