HC Deb 09 December 1977 vol 940 cc895-6W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) on what date, what time and from whom, he first received the suggestion of resolving the firemen's strike by paying them 10 per cent. and reducing their hours immediately and with overtime rates on their new hours of work; why this was immediately turned down; and whether he will reconsider his decision;

(2) on what date he received a telephone message from the hon. Member for Newham, North-West making the suggestion of ending the firemen's strike by paying the 10 per cent. additional payment for overtime by immediate reduction in hours; and what were the reasons for refusing to accept this proposal.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Various suggestions have been made about ways in which the firemen's strike might be ended, including some along the lines put forward by my hon. Friend in a telephone call to my office on 10th November. All these suggestions have been very carefully considered, but none was within the Government's guidelines on pay and could not, therefore, be accepted.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will initiate a scheme to enable firemen to have six months' leave of absence to pay to attend a Government training school to fit them for skilled employment in their off-duty periods, so as to enable them to earn an additional wage, without contravening the 10 per cent. guidelines.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

No.

Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from insurance companies or underwriters in respect of the firemen's strike.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

None.