36.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will arrange for the temporary release of specialised personnel in the National Fire Service in Scotland, who are fully qualified building trade operatives, for urgent building requirements in Scotland; and consult with the Secretary of State for Scotland on this matter?
I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend, who is responsible for the National Fire Service in Scotland, has recently had under consideration the position of a number of building tradesmen who are serving as whole-time members of that Service. Arrangements already exist for the release of whole-time firemen for limited periods for essential local work. The majority of the men in question are at present employed, so far as operational requirements permit, on constructional work for the National Fire Service, but my right. hon. Friend will be prepared to consider proposals for temporary releases where this is practicable to meet urgent building requirements in any particular district.