asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why it is proposed to increase substantially the number of full-time employees of the N.F.S.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend gave to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield (Mr. Ernest Davies) on 25th October last, in which he explained that the decision to introduce a 60-hour week for firemen would involve the recruitment of additional men.

Can the Minister explain why we are proposing during the current year to increase the staff of the N.F.S. by up to 4,000, which was not referred to in the previous reply?

All I can say is that a review is taking place to see exactly the number of men who will be required, and that the introduction of a 60-hour week, which is a reduction from the normal 80-hours, will necessitate more people being required.

Can the Under-Secretary assure us that there were enough firemen to prevent damage to Himley Hall?