§ 64. Mr. McKayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what rôle is played by the National Joint Council in the process of deciding the wages of the fire brigade employees; what form of appeal exists under his Regulations where there is a unanimous decision to raise the wages but he refuses his consent to the rise agreed to by the Council; and what time limits he has laid down within which such appeals must be considered.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThe National Joint Council for Local Authorities' Fire Brigades considers the conditions of employment of members of brigades. If a recommendation made by it is approved by me and by the Secretary of Stae for Scotland, effect may be given to it by Regulations made under Section 17 of the Fire Services Act, 1947. If my right hon. Friend and I do not approve a recommendation, we are required by the Act to refer it back for further consideration and for a report; and must take the report into consideration before proceeding to make Regulations. The Act does not provide for any form of appeal against our decision.