Firemen

17.

Mr. Brotherton
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the recruitment of part-time firemen.

Dr. Summerskill
Under the Fire Services Act 1947, the recruitment of firemen is a matter for individual fire authorities, which decide on the number of whole-time or part-time firemen they need to recruit to discharge their statutory responsibilities.

Mr. Brotherton
Will the hon. Lady give a categorical assurance that regardless of representations from the Fire Brigades Union the Government will do nothing to interfere with the rights of local authorities to recruit firemen full-time or part-time as they, the local authorities, see fit?

Dr. Summerskill
Yes, I can give that assurance. It is entirely a matter for the fire authorities.