Auxiliary Fire Service

HC Deb 28 March 1968 vol 761 c1713

34. Mr. Farr

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the annual cost of maintaining the 14,000 personnel of the Auxiliary Fire Service in England, Scotland and Wales.

Mr. Ennals

The cost would have been about £1.3 million in 1968–69, rising to about £1.5 million in 1970–71.

Mr. Farr

Since the members have now offered to give up all payment, whether of bounties, subsistence or expenses, including all travelling expenses, can the hon. Gentleman not respond in a suitable manner to this noble gesture and allow the Fire Service to continue?

Mr. Ennals

My right hon. Friend and I have explained to the House a number of times that the bounty and expenses amount to only 8.5 per cent. of the total cost. Although one appreciates the generosity of those who have said that they would be prepared to forgo them, they would make very little difference to the savings which we are required to make.