§ Mr. Edward Lyonsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to announce the results of the feasibility study into the possibility of a 40-hour week for the national fire service.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe inquiry by the Home Department into the feasibility of a 40-hour week in the fire service is considering the information which it has obtained about possible working arrangements in each fire authority's area. When the inquiry has formed a picture of the1044W possible options, the views of the local authority associations and fire service staff organisations will be obtained. I cannot say when the inquiry will be completed.
§ Mr. Edward Lyonsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what effects, if any, the recently announced public expenditure cuts will have upon employment in the national fire service.
§ Dr. SummerskillWe do not envisage any reduction in the projected public expenditure allocation for fire services manpower as a result of the statement on 22nd July by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.