§ Mr. Emeryasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing amongst officers of fire brigades with the appointment of men of experience extending only over a few months and from smaller fire authorities to principal positions in the State-controlled fire service; and whether he will arrange for full consideration to be given to the promotion of officers with many years' experience and training in fire fighting?
§ Mr. MabaneNo, Sir. I am not aware of any general dissatisfaction; on the contrary, my right hon. Friend is satisfied that the careful arrangements (including the establishment of selection boards) made for the selection of officers for the National Fire Service have resulted in appointments in which merit has been the only consideration and which already are proving to be justified in practice. I should like to emphasise that long experience in peace time fire fighting is not the only qualification for appointments to the National Fire Service in time of war.