HC Deb 18 November 2003 vol 413 cc802-3W
Mr. Francois

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the total number of vacancies for retained firefighters in the Essex fire and rescue service was on 1 September. [139616]

Mr. Raynsford

There are currently 49.25 full-time equivalent (FTE) vacancies for retained firefighters in Essex fire and rescue Service.

Mr. Francois

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many retained firefighters were employed by the Essex Fire and Rescue Service on 1 September 2003. [139662]

Mr. Raynsford

On 31 March 2003 (the latest available figures), there were 379 retained firefighters in post (expressed in 24-hour units). The actual head count figure was 472.

Mr. Francois

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many control room staff were employed by the Essex Fire and Rescue Service on 1 September 2003. [139664]

Mr. Raynsford

On 31 March 2003 (the latest figures available), there were 39 control room staff in post in full-time equivalents (FTE). The actual head count figure was 43.

Mr. Francois

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many fire engines were retained by the Essex fire and rescue service on 1 September. [139666]

Mr. Raynsford

As at 31 March 2003 (the latest figures available) there were 72 front-line pumping appliances (fire engines), with 15 reserve pumping appliances.