§ Mr. Saltasked the Lord Privy Seal (1) whether he can give the total number of men required to man the fire-fighting boats to be provided for the protection of London in war-time; how many have already enrolled, and what number of these men are fully equipped and trained;
(2) whether he can state the number of fire-fighting boats which are to be provided on the Thames; and how many of this number are already in commission and fully manned?
§ Sir J. AndersonDiscussions are proceeding as to the total number of floats and crews which will be required for emergency fire-fighting on the River Thames. There are at present in commission three peace-time fire floats and three emergency fire floats, and I am informed that the London Fire Brigade have recruited a total of approximately 600 auxiliary firemen for river service, of whom about 350 are fully trained and equipped.