§ 34 and 35. Mr. Culverwellasked the Home Secretary (1) how many whole-time men in the Bristol Auxiliary Fire Service are in the age groups 25 to 29; 2235 (2) what is the authorised strength of whole-time firemen in the Bristol Auxiliary Fire Service; and how many men are required to reach this strength?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe approved wartime establishment of whole-time auxiliary firemen in the Bristol Auxiliary Fire Service is 995 (including officers), and the service is at present 139 below strength. Approximately 350 of the whole-time men now serving are in the age groups 25 to 29.
§ Mr. CulverwellIs my right hon. Friend aware that the calling-up of nearly half the strength of this service will disorganise it completely, and will he arrange that, after they are registered for the Army, men may continue their duties in the fire service until such time as older men can be recruited to take their places?
§ Sir J. AndersonYes, Sir. As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, an arrangement has been made whereby the calling-up of personnel over the age of 25 will be suspended for a time, pending arrangements for replacing them by older men.
§ Mr. CulverwellIs my right hon. Friend aware that, quite apart from the men who are called up for the Army, there are many men leaving this service to seek other and more remunerative employment, and can he ensure that the men will be recruited in future upon a contractual basis on the lines of the Territorial Army, so that they will not leave?
§ Sir J. AndersonAll full-time personnel are now serving on a contractual basis.
§ Sir H. WilliamsAre there not enough firemen now in this country to put out fires in all the houses in the country if they were all on fire at the same time?