asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now received the views of the local authority associations on the proposed sick pay scheme to be paid to members of the Auxiliary Fire Service injured on duty; and when he expects to be able to announce the new regulations.

The views of all the appropriate local authority associations in England and Wales have now been received, and I hope to make the regulations within the next few days.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now give an assurance that the case of Auxiliary Leading Fireman John Hillard, 56. Duke's Avenue, Chiswick, the details of which have 'been sent to his Department, will come within the scope of the proposed sick pay scheme for members of the Auxiliary Fire Service injured on duty.

I have little doubt that Mr. Hillard will benefit from the regulations which I contemplate making, but I cannot, of course, give a positive assurance in advance.