HC Deb 29 January 2003 vol 398 c861W
9. Hugh Robertson

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on recent progress in resolving the industrial action by firefighters. [93774]

14. Mr. Barnes

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, if he will make a further statement on the firefighters' dispute. [93779]

Mr. Raynsford

My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister made a statement to the House on this issue yesterday.

10. John Barrett

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many armed forces Breathing Apparatus Rescue Teams and Rescue Equipment Support Teams were on fire cover during the 24-hour strike by members of the Fire Brigades Union on Tuesday 21 January. [93775]

Mr. Raynsford

There were 331 Breathing Apparatus Rescue Teams and 59 Regional Equipment Support Teams providing emergency fire cover in the United Kingdom for the 24-hour strike on 21 January. This is the same number of teams as for the previous 10 days of strike action.

The number of red appliances in use by the military continues to increase. The armed forces are now able to deploy 177 red engines, 90 more than at the start of the last 8 day strike.

The military now also has a number of aerial water towers to provide additional cover in extreme situations.

Mr. Flight

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many days were lost to industrial action by firefighters in each of the last 12 months. [92764]

Mr. Raynsford

In the year up to 23 January 2003, eleven days were lost to national industrial action by firefighters. Ten of these days were in November 2002, and one day from the 21–22 January 2003.