§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the cost of reducing hours to 40 per week in Scottish fire brigades; and how many additional firemen would be required.
§ Mr. William RossI understand that the National Joint Council for Local Authorities' Fire Brigades has under consideration the resumption of discussions on the feasibility of a 40-hour week for the fire service in the light of the Government's White Paper on "The Attack on Inflation". Pending the outcome of the council's deliberations it would be premature to attempt to estimate the cost or manpower implications of a 40-hour week.