§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the discussions which he has had with fire service(a) employers and (b) unions on contingency plans in the event of a conflict in Iraq and the suspension of (i) action under the current dispute and (ii) proposed changes in working practices. [103470]
§ Mr. RaynsfordMy right. hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has been available to talk to all sides since this dispute began and has met both the employers and the Fire Brigade union on a number of occasions. He has undertaken to keep the House informed of developments.