§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about economies in the fire service suggested by the employers' secretary on the Joint Council for Local Authorities' Fire Brigades and his letter of 3 February informing the acting employees' side secretary of the employers' decision to withdraw forthwith from the 1977 pay agreement; what replies he has sent or is sending; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitelawThe executive council of the Fire Brigades Union has asked me to meet it so that it may convey to me its concern about matters which it says affect the operational efficiency and manning of the fire service, and I have agreed to do so. The pay and conditions of service of firemen are, however, negotiated in the National Joint Council, on which the Government are not represented.