§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that workers' hours of 42 hours per week are achieved on 7th November 1978 as agreed following the recent firemen's dispute; how many trainee firemen have been recruited in Scotland pursuant to this agreement; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harry EwingNegotiations about the introduction of a 42-hour working week are taking place in the National Joint Council for Local Authorities' Fire Brigades in terms of the 1977 pay settlement. I am keeping in close touch with both sides of the Council.
Recruitment of firemen is a matter for individual fire authorities. Fire authorities have been advised by the employers' side of the National Joint Council that for the present it would be unwise to recruit in anticipation of the reduced working week.