§ 11. Adam Price (East Carmarthen and Dinefwr)What discussions he had with local authorities in England and Wales prior to the firefighters' strike as regards local emergency contingency plans. [81548]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Christopher Leslie)The Local Government Association has been closely involved in detailed contingency planning. Guidance has been issued to local authorities in England and Wales regarding the firefighters' strike.
§ Adam PriceI thank the Minister for his reply. Will he confirm whether the Government have an emergency contingency plan to meet any pay agreement? Will he 635 comment on reports that any pay deal will be self-financing, which will, of course, involve a cut in level and quality of service to meet any pay demand?
§ Mr. LeslieThe whole House will accept the fact that we all want the talks that might be under way between the Fire Brigades Union and the employers to succeed. We hope that those talks will be constructive and will lead to the strikes being called off.