Mike Penning (Hemel Hempstead) (Con): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I am desperately concerned about the safety of my constituents and other constituents in Hertfordshire. The chief fire officer of Hertfordshire told me this morning that, sadly, there is a dispute involving the excellent firefighters in Hertfordshire and that there is likely to be a strike soon. The chief fire officer has applied to the Ministry of Defence for servicemen and women to help to protect our constituencies with fire cover should a strike take place. I understand that, for the first time ever, the MOD has refused. Will a Minister come to the House to explain why the MOD is not going to protect our constituents when that dispute takes place?
Mr. Speaker: The hon. Gentleman, like every other hon. Member, has a constituency to protect. My best advice is for him to call for a meeting with the Minister and put the case that there is a serious problem involving the fire services in his constituency and that his constituents must be protected.
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