HC Deb 31 July 1964 vol 699 cc437-8W
Commander Courtney

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average strength of the fire party on duty at Royal Air Force stations, not being master airfields, at weekends; and whether they are capable of operating the aircraft fire tender in case of emergency.

Mr. H. Fraser

At those Royal Air Force stations which are not fully manned at weekends the fire party normally consists of 6 persons, most of whom are not fully trained firemen. Their duty is to deal with fires in buildings. For an effective airfield fire and crash service personnel must be both fully trained and at readiness on the runway.

Commander Courtney

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many duty officers, on average, remain on duty at Royal Air Force Stations, not being master airfields, at weekends; if a constant lookout is kept; and whether duty officers are capable of controlling incoming light aircraft by the use of lamp signals if required.

Mr. H. Fraser

At those Royal Air Force stations which are not fully manned at weekends there is usually one station duty officer. He has no responsibilities for air traffic control and is not necessarily conversant with control procedures.