§ Mr. WilshireTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will meet Spelthorne Borough Council to discuss Surrey County Council's proposed changes to their provision of fire services in the borough. [53790]
§ Mr. George HowarthI have written to the hon. Member to explain that I would be prepared to consider further written representations from Spelthorne Borough Council. Because of the technical nature of the issues involved, it is normally more appropriate for representations against changes to the provision of fire cover to be made in writing. However, I have asked to be informed if there are particular reasons why points which the Borough Council might wish to make could be made to me direct only at a meeting.
§ Mr. WilshireTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the proposed strike action by the staff of Surrey Fire and Rescue Service; and if he will hold talks with Surrey County Council and the Fire Brigades Union. [53791]
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§ Mr. George HowarthResponsibility for resolving this local dispute rests primarily with the County Council, as the fire authority, and its employees, and I have no plans to hold talks with either the County Council or the Fire Brigades Union. To ensure the continuing safety of the public, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has, however, agreed with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence that, at the request of the County Council, military personnel should be deployed, when needed, to provide emergency fire cover.