§ 62. Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the labour turnover for each 12 months in the British fire service since 1955, and up to the latest convenient date in 1961; and what plans he has for recruiting more of the right type of men.
§ Mr. RentonThe figures are given below. No figures for 1961 are yet available. As regards the second part of the Question, recruitment is primarily the responsibility of individual fire authorities, who are, I know, fully aware of the importance of obtaining enough men of the right kind.
Whole-time firemen (England and Wales and Scotland) Year ended 31st December 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 Recruits 1,691 1,626 1,502 1,706 1,919 Retirements, resignations, etc. 1,058 958 865 1,051 1,509 Net gain or loss +633 +668 +637 +655 +410
§ Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what conclusions he has reached regarding the proposed commission of inquiry into the fire services conditions of service and rates of pay, following his discussion with local authorities; and if he will now agree to such a commission being set up.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given to a Question by the right hon. Member for Smethwick (Mr. Gordon Walker) today.