Following concern that up to 11,000 fire fighting jobs could be lost, the Conservatives have asked if a similar "sinister agenda" lies behind Commons modernisation.

Eric Forth sees clear comparisons between the government's confrontation with the Fire Brigades Union, and a shake-up of Westminster's legendary "Spanish practices".

"Recently we have been through a so-called modernisation process here in the Commons," the shadow Commons leader observed.

"Our shift patterns have been changed, we've got a new single control centre - the government whips office - we've reduced the opportunity for second jobs, and we're also about to reduce our headcount because there will be fewer Scottish MPs."

Moreover, Forth noted, John Prescott, the cabinet minister engaged in efforts to modernise the fire service, had made comments about the practice of some MPs to take lucrative second jobs outside parliament.

Just as the deputy prime minister was keen to end moonlighting by fire fighters, he was enthusiastic to halt it in the Commons, claimed Forth.

"We have campaigned long and hard for MPs to have only one job... and that is what I have done for the last 30 years ago since I became a member," Prescott said on Monday.

Is sauce for the fire service goose good for the parliamentarian gander, wondered Forth.

"Can the leader of the House confirm that this is government policy, that this rather astonishing statement by the deputy prime minister does represent the government's policy on this rather important matter?" he asked.

"Can he therefore clarify whether these recent modernisation moves are a sort of sinister hidden agenda to ensure that members can have and should have no interests outside this House?"

The Commons leader had no hesitation in backing Prescott.

"The deputy prime minister, as always, speaks with great wisdom on these matters. I don't resile at all from what he said on that point," he said.

Robin Cook told the Commons that his view on the issue was a matter of record.

"I did myself make the very point that those who choose to spend the morning working on other matters should not dictate the hours for those who are now full time professional MPs."

But the Cabinet minister reassured Conservatives that the government has no plans to treat MPs like the striking fire fighters.

"Of course we have no proposal to ban those who actually carry out other work, it is a matter for them, and also it is matter for their constituents who will no doubt bear it mind."