§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish in the Official Report the number of trainee firemen recruited to enable a 42-hour week for the fire service on 7th November 1978.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesRecruitment of firemen is a matter for individual fire authorities. I understand that the national employers have set up a working group to study matters associated with the introduction of a 42-hour week in the fire service. Fire authorities have been advised by the Employers' Side of the National Joint Council for Local Authorities' Fire Brigades that for the time being it would be unwise to recruit in anticipation of the reduced working week.