§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the decision of the Scottish regional committee of the Fire Brigades Union to reject a two-stage 18.8 per cent. wage offer, he will ensure that, in the event of escalating industrial action by Scottish firemen, adequate reserve fire-fighting facilities are available in all parts of Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindI understand that the pay offer made by the employers' side of the national joint council, which the executive council of the Fire Brigades Union is recommending for acceptance, will he considered at a delegate conference on 11 December. As to emergency fire cover in the event of industrial action, I refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. McKelvey) on 3 December 1980.