§ 12. Mr. Hurdasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many new Auxiliary Fire Service mobile pump appliances have been issued for training purposes and how many crews are available to man them; and if he will circularise fire authorities recommending that, in the event of future large outbreaks of moorland fires and flood emergencies, the Auxiliary Fire Service should be mobilised to assist the regular brigades and provide opportunities for experience in the use of the mobile equipment.
§ Major Lloyd-George701 new self-propelled pumps have been issued for use in training regular and auxiliary members of fire brigades in emergency fire fighting and on 30th April, 1956, the strength of auxiliary firemen in England and Wales was 14,989. Where practicable fire authorities arrange for auxiliary firemen to attend fires with regular members of the brigade in order to gain experience in fire fighting, and I am informed that under such arrangements auxiliary firemen have rendered useful service in the recent heath and moorland fires. Most auxiliary firemen however are at work during the day and would not be available to assist in fire fighting. I do not consider that any further advice from the Home Office about this is necessary.