HC Deb 20 January 2003 vol 398 cc68-9W
Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what elements of the armed forces have been withdrawn from Operation Fresco for other duties; what units will replace them in each case; what areas of the country each will cover in the event of a firefighters' strike; and how long each unit has been training for fire fighting duties. [91029]

Mr. Ingram

[holding answer 16 January 2003]The following units and sub units from 16 Air Assault Brigade are to be withdrawn from Operation Fresco once replacements have been trained:

  • 1st Battalion The Parachute Regiment
  • 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment
  • 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment
  • 7th Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery
  • 13th Air Assault Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps D Squadron Household Cavalry Regiment
  • 21 Battery, 47 Regiment Royal Artillery
  • 51 Air Assault Field Squadron, 23 Engineer Regiment.

An equal number of replacements will be drawn from:

  • 1 Highlanders
  • 2 Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
  • 1 Worcester and Sherwood Foresters
  • 9 Supply Regiment Royal Logistics Corps
  • 16 Regiment Royal Artillery
  • 12 Regiment Royal Artillery
  • 32 Regiment Royal Artillery
  • 27 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps
  • Elements drawn from across the RAF.

Replacement forces began a rolling programme of training on 15 January. They will receive the same training package as those personnel being withdrawn from Operation Fresco duties. All units will have completed their training by 25 January but only those that have completed their training prior to 21 January will be able to assume Operation Fresco duties for a strike that day. Consequently, elements of 16 Air Assault Brigade will remain committed until the full complement of replacements are available to provide emergency cover. This ensures that there will be no diminution of the level of commitment to provide emergency fire and rescue cover nor a reduction in the quality of that cover.

A direct correlation between the locations of those being withdrawn and the replacements cannot be made. This is because adjustments are being made to the deployment locations of a number of units in addition to those listed above and some of the units will only be deployed on Operation Fresco for a strike on 21 January. There will not, however, be any change in capability at any of the temporary fire stations.