§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, in view of the Government's agreed policy with the TUC of the return to collective bargaining, he has taken action to prevent a free collective bargaining settlement of the firemen's dispute.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesAs I made clear in my statement to the House on 8th December 1977—[Vol. 940, c. 1651–2]—because of the need to reduce inflation, the Government could not agree to an increase in the year beginning 7th November 1977 beyond 10 per cent. En the negotiations which have taken place in the National Joint Council, the Employers' Side has negotiated within the terms of Government pay policy.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what statutory authority he has given an unqualified assurance that firemen's wages and conditions will be improved in the years ahead of the Government's normal term in office; and whether he will make a statement.
4W
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesAs my hon. Friend will be aware, the Government are not operating a statutory incomes policy. The Government have given their word that the full implementation of the formula agreed by the National Joint Council for Local Authorities' Fire Brigades, by two approximately equal stages in November 1978 and November 1979, would not be thwarted by some unforeseen adverse change in economic circumstances.