§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the current rates of pay per hour for retained firemen; how these compare with the rates of pay per hour proposed for full-time firemen; whether rates of pay for retained firemen will be increased; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harry EwingThe rates of pay of full-time and retained firemen are negotiated within the National Joint Council for Local Authorities' Fire Brigades.
As well as a retaining fee and a long service bounty, retained firemen receive a turn-out fee of £2.28 or an attendance fee of £1.24, depending upon the type of attendance. These cover the first hour of work. Additional time and drill attendances are paid for at the rate of £1.02 per hour. From 1st April 1977 all retained firemen's earnings were increased by a supplement of 5 per cent. subject to a weekly minimum of £1 and a weekly maximum of £1.55. I understand that these payments are to be reviewed from 1st April 1978.
From 7th November 1977 the hourly rates of pay for a full-time fireman are:
Basic Hourly Rate Fireman (aged 18 years) p Less than six months' service 91.2 More than six months' service 96.3 Fireman (aged 19 years or more) First six months' service 93.0 After six months' service and during second year 97.9 during third year 103.2 during fourth year 109.1 during fifth year (qualified) 120.2 Long serving fireman (after 15 years' service) Qualified 126.3 Unqualified 115.0