The Minister conveniently body-swerved the very direct substantive question put by my hon. Friend Mr. Harper. The House will know that on December 13 Labour MEPs voted to abandon the UK's opt-out from the working time directive—the Chief Fire Officers Association has said that such a policy would mean that the fire service could not function effectively. Does the Minister accept that as his party is completely divided on this issue and its MEPs are voting against our national interest, the UK's negotiating position is weaker as a consequence of that split?