Frances Curran (West of Scotland) (SSP): I am aware that a consultation process is beginning, but I always ask what a consultation is on. Is it on modernising the fire service? When I hear the word "modernising" from ministers' mouths, I—like many people—usually assume that it is a euphemism for cuts in services and jobs. In this case, the cuts relate to fire stations.
Carolyn Leckie (Central Scotland) (SSP): I take issue with some of Cathy Jamieson's comments in her opening speech, when she referred to the FBU press release and her apparent understanding that there is a threat of strike action. It is a bit rich of Cathy Jamieson to make any comment on the likelihood of an industrial dispute, given the Executive's shameful record in the firefighters' dispute.
