HC Deb 07 December 1977 vol 940 cc709-10W
Mr Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in the light of the fact that firemen's hourly earnings have fallen from 93 per cent. of average earnings in 1975 to 82.6 per cent. in 1977, what increase he estimates would be necessary to restore the position to the 1975 level.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton) on 6th December—[Vol. 940, c.615]—about estimates of average earnings. As I explained in the statement which I made to the House on Monday 21st November—[Vol. 939, c. 1100–2]—discussions on a formula for determining Fire Service pay in the future are a matter for the two Sides in the NJC.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent firemen's average weekly earnings have dropped since 1975 compared with the average working man; and to what extent the proposed 10 per cent. increase would restore the situation.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton) on 6th December—[Vol. 940, c.615.]—about estimates of average weekly earnings of firemen and those of all occupations in all industries and services. As to the effect of the proposed increase of 10 per cent., I refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Walsall, South (Mr. George) on 18th November.—[Vol. 939, c. 374–6.]

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what extra payments firemen receive for (a) Sunday duties, (b) unsocial hours, and (c) inspection of shops, garages, flats and other buildings in connection with fire-regulations.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Unsocial hours and fire prevention duties were taken into account in the negotiation of the 1973 Fire Service pay agreement which was effective from 7th November 1973.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any proposals to bring firemen into line with policemen with regard to the provision of housing or a rent allowance in lieu.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Matters of this kind are for the National Joint Council for Local Authorities' Fire Brigades, but I understand that in general rent allowances were consolidated into pay in 1951.