§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what wage increases were paid to firemen during phase 1 of the incomes policy; what increases were paid during phase 2; what was the total wage bill for the Fire Service during the year of phase 1; what is the total wage bill expected to be for the year of phase 2; and what was the deduction from Fire Service wages to take account of incremental drift.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesA supplement of £6 a week was paid to firemen with effect from 7th November 1975. An additional supplement subject to a weekly minimum of £2.50 and to a weekly maximum of £4 was paid with effect from 7th November 1976. No deductions were necessary on account of increments. I regret that estimates of the total wage bills for the Fire Service during the periods November 1975 to November 1976 and from November 1976 until the next Fire Service's pay settlement are not available and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.