§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) whether he will distribute Queen's Golden Jubilee Medals to retained firefighters in Essex as soon as they are available; [115674]
(2) what his policy is towards the distribution of Queen's Golden Jubilee Medals to firefighters (a) who are participating in industrial action and (b) who are not participating in industrial action. [115675]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe Government have always said it hoped that the Golden Jubilee Medals would be given to eligible firefighters by the end of June 2003 as originally planned. Minting has been completed and distribution to brigades began on 28 May. Essex firefighters will receive their medals within this timeframe. No distinction is being made between those that have, and have not, participated in industrial action.