Mike Penning (Hemel Hempstead) (Con): Is the Leader of the House aware that, sadly, Hertfordshire fire and rescue services are about to hold a strike? There is a dispute between the excellent firefighters in Hertfordshire and their employers. The chief fire officer naturally asked the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister that military cover be supplied should the strike go ahead. A Minister told me yesterday that it had been refused. No request went to the Ministry of Defence for military cover—81 military people were required. It would be the first time in this country that no military cover was provided in the event of a firefighters' strike. That would put my constituents' lives at risk. Will a Minister come to the House to explain why the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister did not request the firefighters that we need?
Mr. Hoon: The hon. Gentleman speaks from considerable knowledge and experience. Without going into detail about the specific dispute, I hope that he will use his good offices to find ways to avoid the strike. No benefit can follow to any part of our society from it, and I hope that he will join me in urging those who call for such a strike to call it off. | 
