§ Mr. MadelTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to meet leaders of the Fire Brigades Union to discuss wage negotiating procedures; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydMy right hon. and learned Friend met representatives of the Fire Brigades Union, at their request, on 17 March to discuss the Government's policy on public sector pay this year. The negotiation of firefighters' pay is not a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend. Firefighters' pay and conditions of service are matters for the local authorities which employ firefighters, and are negotiated in the National Joint Council for Local Authorities' Fire Brigades.