HC Deb 31 January 1978 vol 943 cc143-4W
Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total number of Service men engaged on fire-fighting duties during the firemen's strike and (a) what was the average and (b) the longest period of service undertaken.

Dr. Gilbert

The maximum number of Service men deployed on fire-fighting duties at any one time was approximately 20,000 and the longest period of service was the full period of the strike. To determine the total number of Service men engaged at any time on this task, or the average period of an individual's service on it, would involve disproportionate time and expense.

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