§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many emergency fire calls have been received by the Metropolitan Police since the commencement of the Fire Brigade Union strike; how many London policemen have been diverted from other duties to assist in fire-fighting duties, for example to provide motorcycle escorts for Army units en route to fires; and by how much he estimates the Metropolitan Police budget for police overtime has been increased on this account.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesDuring the period of the strike up to midnight on 6th December 5,066 emergency fire calls were received by the Metropolitan Police. Six hundred and fifty-four members of the force are being diverted daily from other duties to duties connected with fire-fighting. It has not so far proved necessary to increase the provision for overtime in 21W the Metropolitan Police Estimates to allow for extra duties arising from the firemen's strike, but it will be increased if the need arises.