Written question asked by Lord Foster of Bath (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 8 March 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 March 2002. It was answered by Lord Whitehead (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 March 2002 on behalf of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

Dept for Transport Local Government and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, how many unfilled posts there are within the Fire Service, broken down into (a) civilian and (b) fire fighting positions. - Inc table.

Answer: Mr. Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many unfilled posts there are within the fire service, broken down into (a) civilian and (b) fire fighting positions. [42930] Dr. Whitehead: Based on annual returns submitted to HM Fire Service Inspectorate, the figures for the establishment and strength of the fire service in England and Wales, as at 31 March 2001, were as follows: _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Establishment Actual strength Whole-time firefighters 33,640 {1}33,376 Retained firefighters 14,940 {2}12,028 Control room staff 1,454 {1}1,474 Non-uniformed staff 6,413 {1}6,074 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. {1} In full time equivalents. {2} In twenty-four hour units of cover.

Secondary information