§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) Royal Naval and (b) other service personnel are on duties associated with the national firefighters' dispute; and if a schedule has been set for their return to normal military duties. [91307]
§ Mr. IngramApproximately 19,000 military personnel are available for duties associated with the firefighters' strike. Of these, approximately 3,000 are drawn from the Royal Navy and are employed in both the firefighting and support roles.
The armed forces role during strike periods has been and will continue to be to provide emergency cover, thus seeking to save lives and ensuring that essential services are maintained. Emergency cover will, as far as possible, be maintained for as long as the strike continues and balanced with other demands on military resources.