Doubts over fire takeover move

Firefighters are striking for a 40% pay rise

The Scottish Executive has failed to give its full backing to radical Westminster proposals aimed at trying to end the bitter fire dispute.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has promised new legislation "as a matter of priority" to give the government powers to specify pay and conditions in the fire service.

A spokesman for First Minister Jack McConnell said the executive wanted to follow a UK-wide approach to the dispute but insisted it could take "an alternative position".

The statement has brought concern over a break-up of the national negotiating structure.

It can only raise the possibility of the break-up of the UK negotiating machinery

George Purcell
Cosla

The threat of legislation came as the fourth round of UK-wide industrial action got under way.

A further two-day stoppage by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is planned for the weekend over the firefighters' long-running 40% pay claim.

The first minister's spokesman said: "John Prescott has made a statement.

"We could agree with the position or we could take an alternative position, which could mean taking more powers or less powers."

Scottish National Party leader John Swinney reminded Mr Prescott that firefighters' pay and conditions were devolved matters and any changes would need the approval of Holyrood.

The military is providing cover

Mr Swinney said he had not sought a separate Scottish settlement to the dispute but he insisted that approach "may have to change".

It is thought Mr Prescott's proposals would be rushed through Westminster in the next few weeks.

Scottish TUC general secretary Bill Speirs said: "This action by the government is utterly unbelievable and undemocratic.

"The Scottish Parliament must not allow this to happen in Scotland and Scotland's councillors must reject this stripping away of their democratic rights and responsibilities."

And vice president of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla), George Purcell, urged caution over any legislation.

"Whatever the response in Scotland by the executive is, it can only raise the possibility of the break-up of the UK negotiating machinery," he said.

Negotiation 'still possible'

Jack McConnell later commented: "The continued pattern of strikes is costing the public money, disrupting the work of the army and still threatens lives.

"The FBU must return to the negotiating table and prove that a negotiated settlement is still possible in the current framework."

Scots Tory leader David McLetchie urged the government to use the powers it has to stop the strike under the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act 1992 rather than taking new legislative powers.

He also criticised the executive's response, saying it was "pathetic".

The FBU believes accepting the employers' proposals will cost 4,500 jobs and shut 150 fire stations.

The Scottish cabinet will discuss the issue on Wednesday.