Firefighter Vol. 9 No. 2

April, 1969 Journal of the Fire Brigades Union

Glasgow fire enquiry provides new evidence The Winter Gardens, Margate, where delegates to the 48th Annual Conference of the Union for Holroyd Committee will be deliberating from 20-23 May. FOLLOWING the fatal accident inquiry on the fire at A. J. and S. Stem, Glasgow, where 22 people lost their lives, the Union have It’s conference time again submitted further supplementary evidence to the Holroyd Com­ mittee based on the evidence and submissions at the proceedings AS CONFERENCE approaches the member­ those motions which cover the same basic of the fatal accident injury. ship will be considering the agenda which is intention. now at branches in its final form. They will Broadly the Union’s submission covers four points—namely: — Among the guests who will be attending are (1) For the purpose of fire safety legislation local authorities note that area committees have been reasonably kind to the Standing Orders Committee in that two representatives of the Finnish fire service. EC MEMBER GLYN COLLINS: must be directed that the term fire authority means by practical This is part of the Union’s reciprocal arrange­ definition ‘the fire brigade’. only 19 amendments have been put against the Why should firemen risk their 270 motions which appeared on the preliminary ments with the Scandinavian Fire Service Study lives ? (2) Fire brigade personnel at fire stations must be used for spot Days. check follow up visits on matters of fire safety for the purpose agenda, and one area committee has already of laying before the authorities evidence of offenders against decided to withdraw its 'No Confidence’ The Rt. Hon. Frank Cousins, retiring general resolution. enforceable standards of fire safety and to assist generally as secretary of the TGWU, has accepted the No bomb hunts aides to fire prevention departments. On receipt of the Executive Council’s Annual Union’s invitation and will address delegates, (3) That regulations concerning fire prevention measures Report at branches, members will be able to as, of course, will John Homer, the Union’s promised in Section 50 of the Factories Act 1961 should be assess much of the work which has been carried sponsored MP. for us, say made enabling fire prevention officers to have powers to act on out by the E.C. on behalf of the membership It would be hard to imagine that either behalf of fire authorities in this important field of fire safety. since last year’s conference at Blackpool, Frank Cousins or John Homer could speak at (4) Attention of workpeople should be drawn to their respon­ and this may also help them decide on the our conference without referring to some of sibility to report to their representative organisations any merits or de-merits of many of the motions the major political and industrial problems Welsh members which will be before Conference. inadequate fire safety arrangements at their place of work with facing the people of Britain and the trade particular emphasis on means of escape in case of fire. Repre­ FEARS that the investiture of In an endeavour to make the maximum use union movement in particular and this, added Prince Charles may spark off sentative organisations in turn to pass on such information to of conference time the Standing Orders Com­ to the Union’s own programme of business, bomb attacks and terrorism by the appropriate fire safety inspecting and enforcing authority. mittee will be writing to a number of area must guarantee a most interesting and useful The identity of the complainant, if he so wishes, to remain Welsh fanatics led to the Welsh committees with suggestions for compositing conference. anonymous. District of the Union issuing The Scottish District of the Union are most active on this issue instructions to the area com­ mittees in Wales for their and in addition to having a working party set up from the Scottish members not to take part in CFBAC to examine the whole question of firemen’s duties in relation to fire safety they are very much involved in discussions on any more searches for bombs. future fire safety and fire prevention arrangements in the Glasgow Executive says farewell to the Vice-President Firemen in some Welsh brigades Fire Service. have been called out to help the police in searches for reported The Scottish press are continuing to put fire safety in Scotland bombs. In two brigades there had very much before the public eye. There have been 36 deaths by and welcome been five such incidents in two fire in the first two months of this year. months which all turned out to be On 7 March, Samuel Stern, co-director of A. J. and S. Stern, hoaxes. was fined a total of £300 at the Glasgow Sheriff Court where he In the course of newspaper and admitted to two charges arising from the James Watt Street fire to his successor television reports on this issue Bro. disaster. In taking his leave, Bro. Glyn Collins, Executive Council Both charges were in connection with contravention of the Bennett spoke of the many past member for Wales, said he saw no Factories Act 1961. The maximum penalty for a contravention of struggles of the Union in which reason at all why firemen should be this Act is £300. he had participated and of his used for this work, particularly many happy years of association while the controversy is going on with the Fire Brigades Union around the Treasury refusal to and the labour and trade union allow the Bolton Fire Brigade to movement generally. pay out the special pension and General Secretary puts gratuity to widows of firemen killed But Tom’s work in this latter field is by no means over be­ at incidents other than fires. TOM BENNETT RAY KILBURN The Chief Officer of Newport, cause immediately following his retirement from the Bristol Fire Mr. B. Robinson, made it very 3-point plan for progress The election of Bro. Kilburn to clear that his men were not to be Brigade, he will be taking on a AT THE February meeting of job with the Transport and the vice presidency created a used to search for bombs. the Executive Council, the vacancy in the EC’s representation The Chief Officer of Cardiff is to officers’ conference General Workers Union in Bristol. General Secretary announced on the Standing Orders Committee reported in the Press as saying that of Conference. Bro. Willie Miller, the normal policy of his brigade is three point plan for progress was the theme set by the the retirement from the fire New Vice-President Executive Councillor for Scotland, to turn out to a call from the police A General Secretary, Bro. Terence Parry, when he addressed service of Bro. Tom Bennett, was elected to fill this post and anyone else. If there was an the delegates at the Annual Meeting of the Union’s Officers’ Vice President of the Union and In Bro. Bennett’s place the emergency or the risk of an ex­ National Committee on 18th March. Executive Council member for Newcomer to EC plosion or a fire they had a moral Executive Council elected Bro. Ray No. 14 District. Kilburn, Executive Councillor for duty to turn out. Meeting in the conference service. In present day circum­ The Welsh District Committee room of one of the Unions stances, one unified organisation The EC placed on record its No. 7 District, as the new Vice The Executive Council warmly appreciation for all the work President. It was also agreed that welcomed as a new member, Bro. of the Union have no doubts on representing railwaymen, the was more than ever before neces­ sary. which Tom had performed on be­ Bro. Kilburn should fill the posi­ Ken Wickham. the matter, and in this they are National Union of Railwaymen, A member of the Portsmouth supported by the Executive. Speaking of the Union's policy half of the Union generally tions previously held by Bro. Bro. Parry was able to illustrate Brigade and previously No. 12 Searching for bombs is not part of on pay, the General Secretary ex­ throughout his nearly 30 years’ Bennett, these include the chair­ the advantages of the fire service service, and in particular for the manship of the Accident and In­ District Chairman, Bro. Wickham, firemen’s duties. pressed the view that a firm rela­ replaces Bro. George Gale, of the being dealt with in its own tionship of firemen’s pay with part he had played on the Execu­ jury Management Fund Commit­ On 21 March the “Western Whitley Council. “We are not tive Council for over 20 years. tee. Bournemouth Fire Brigade. Mail” carried the following state- average earnings could only be bedevilled”, he said, “by the men:— pursued in relation also to higher “The Home Office has assured difficulties created by split re­ efficiency. Wales’ 2,000 firemen that there presentation”. There was every The Union’s conception of a is no law forcing them to search advantage in the Union repre­ service devoted to fire safety had, FBU President in chair at STUC for bombs. This pledge came senting, as it does, the widest as yet, not really had an impact. after the men’s Union ordered a cross section of the British fire Meeting, as the delegates were, so BRO. ENOCH HUMPHRIES, trade unionists who were already Mrs. Barbara Castle, Secretary of total ban on firemen being used service. soon after the Glasgow tragedy, the Union’s President, completed severely critical of a number of State for Employment and Produc­ in searches for explosives.” The General Secretary referred the facts were still vivid and it aspects of Labour Government tivity, lucidly put the Govern­ Despite this, the Chief Officer of was very evident that if the policy his year of office as Chairman of to the Union's identity over the the General Council of the policy. ment’s arguments in support of Flintshire has told our area com­ of the Union had been accepted their proposed “Industrial Rela­ past 50 years and the need, in the Scottish Trades Union Congress The President said the trade mittee that his intention is to or­ and implemented, Glasgow might union movement as a whole was tions Bill”. ganise instructions for firemen interests of all who follow the by presiding over the 72nd profession of firemen, to maintain not have happened. completely opposed to the penal Listening to Barbara there could from bomb disposal experts. So The service and the Holroyd Annual STUC held at Rothesay proposals contained in the White be no doubt as to the depth of her far Mr. Mortley has only said he our identity in the years to come. “It is to help keep our identity Committee could not ignore the from 15-18 April. Paper “In Place of Strife” and the own convictions, but she would would do this. The Welsh District lessons of Glasgow. So that the In his presidential address to Congress later confirmed this so have been indeed seriously misled Committee, fully supported by the that the Executive Council are seeking an amendment to rule, to facts should be appreciated, the Congress, the opening of which far as Scotland was concerned, first if she thought that her courteous Executive Council, will be handing Union was to submit further preceded the Chancellor’s Budget by carrying a General Council reception and the volume of ap­ out some instructions from experts increase the weekly contribution by 6d.,” said Bro. Parry. Keeping evidence to the Holroyd Commit­ speech by only a few hours, Bro. motion of reasoned criticism of the plause for a well delivered speech, in industrial relations if it ever tee and also to the study group Humphries spoke of the possibility objectionable parts of the White indicated a change of heart of the happens. the Union as a craft union for fire­ men did not mean that there set up by the Ministry of Employ­ that a bad, deflationary type Paper and immediately afterwards vast majority of delegates. Bro. Collins and the Welsh dis­ ment and Productivity. budget causing increased unem­ carrying an emergency motion re­ Bro. Humphries was among trict are to be congratulated on should not be serious consideration of one organisation to represent ployment and higher prices, could jecting the White Paper. those members re-elected to serve nipping this kind of organised • continued col. 1 page 4 be the last straw on the back of On the last day of Congress on the General Council. stupidity in the bud. the interests of workers in the fire 2 FIREFIGHTER APRIL, 1969 The fight against Clacton day-manning plan is continued MEMBERS will have read in the ings they had only been told of emergencies was called for on 3, last edition of “Firefighter” of the the financial advantages for the 4 and 5 March. battle being bought in Essex over county, not the serious social con­ By banning “spit and polish” for the county council’s plan to force sequences for our members. three days all three watches were the members at our Clacton A circular specifying the involved, including, of course, All ready for the first course on the top table at Grimsby Trades Council's 65th branch, to change from the 56 hour Union’s attitude on the issue was those members who were on duty anniversary dinner held last February at the Beachcomber Club, Humberston. Representing week to day manning. sent to all the county councillors, on the day of the demonstration. the FBU were District Chairman Chris Moore (seated nearest camera) and Executive A “Campaign Committee”, and was followed up by a visit Response to the “strike call” was Councillor Harry Hyman next to him. Bro. Terry Parry, seated centre, represented the headed by National Officer Bob from a member of the campaign 100%. The administrative side of TUC on this occasion. Bagley and District 10 Secretary, committee to explain in more the brigade did not function, train­ Dick Foggie, initiated opposition detail. ing courses were postponed and a on two fronts: newly introduced drill syllabus (1) to find out if there were any Mass lobby came to a halt. Essex members in such difficult The present position is that re­ housing circumstances that they When the county council met on presentatives of the Essex County ECONOMIES OR LIVES? were prepared to oust a Clacton March 4, they were greeted by Council have met the joint brother from his job. Not sur­ 500 members from Essex and all secretaries of the NJC and are prisingly the result was that not of the other areas in District 10. now reporting back to the county one member was so desperate as to This “mass lobby” was really council. Despite risks, Wolverhampton want to improve his own circum­ Whatever the outcome of effective in impressing upon the this report back our members stances at the expense of another councillors how the firemen of can be assured that the only brother. East Anglia felt on the matter. assistance they will get from hangs on to dangerous TL (2) To inform all members of Just in case anyone was un­ the Union in Essex will be the the county council about day-man­ convinced how strongly they felt, digging of a hole to bury the IN 1960, Wolverhampton Fire to send two members of the brigade ning. At successive council meet­ however, a ban on all duties except day-manning scheme in! Brigade took delivery of a new with the appliance to Germany turn-table ladder — a Magirus on to “observe the carrying out of a Leyland Firemaster chassis. Since repairs” was dropped after protests that time there have been two from our membership. It seemed Let’s make up our minds about this system accidents involving the ladder, the to them that the onus of respon­ cause in both cases being the sibility for the future performance IT WAS with great interest that I It was made very clear by the same!!! of the ladder was going to be put read the report in the February PIB Report No. 32 where the On the first occasion, soon after on them and this was quite unac­ issue of the problems facing our official side will turn on this mat­ taking delivery, the ladder was ceptable to the Union. members in Essex over the fire ter. It is always said that “He being extended in a drill with a The Fire Brigades Union is authority’s attempt to introduce who pays the piper calls the tune”. fireman on the monitor platform. grateful for the assistance given by day manning at Clacton-on-Sea. Let us call our own tune and de­ The chain drive in the turret the former Labour chairman of I was greatly heartened to read of cide the price we will ask for it, snapped whilst the ladder was at the committee, Councillor E. the strong opposition being shown or break up the whole pantomime 85 feet. Fortunately, the pawls Mitchell and his colleagues of the by the Union backed by the and start again. engaged a round of the ladder and minority Labour group who did General Secretary, but I ask my­ It is for the members of this the fireman was saved from serious their best to get the majority party self if this is not 20 years too late. Union to decide. Do we or don’t injury. Following this incident, the to see reason in the matter and chain was repaired by replacing the Chief Officer S. Keely: His advice to put the lives of their employees Why, over the years, have we we want day manning? Whatever has gone unheeded. allowed stations in various parts the answer, do something about it broken link with a new one. and, indeed, the public generally, of the country to be picked off says FRANK rather than pass meaningless reso­ However, on 23 August, 1968, (because they also have a vested piecemeal by the fire authorities lutions just to make it look good. again whilst engaged on drill and serious concern and lack of con­ interest in a safe rescue ladder) when it has suited their plans? NADIN with a fireman at the head of the fidence in the ladder. They say before economic considerations. In the 20 years that I have been ladder, working at almost 100 feet, that following two accidents, one It will cost about £3,000 ac­ conference of representatives from N.B. It is only fair to add that the ladder was being extended of which was of a serious nature cording to reports to repair the area secretary and have attended Cheshire is one of the brigades those many annual conferences of those areas that are greatly af­ prior to lowering, when the chain and the other quite easily could ladder and, of course, a new one fected by this problem where it who recently, by local Union went again, the ladder housed itself have been, and both arising from would be in the region of £14,000. this Union, it has always been the agreement, extended the day policy not to encourage the spread would be possible to work out a and the fireman was flung violently the same fault, they should scrap Some difference it is true, but so policy on pay, the maximum num­ manning system to Hazel Grove to the ground causing him very the ladder and purchase a new is there some difference between of day manning, hence it has never which was previously a retained been possible to get the right con­ ber of hours to be worked and the serious injuries. one combining all the modern a live fireman and a dead one!! ! station, and apart from two safety factors available. ditions agreed for the system. right remuneration for all hours in Our member, Fireman Terry excess of 48 and coupled with the other such similar instances Indeed, year after year, resolutions there has been no extension of Hughes, aged 25, a young married A “gimmick” have been passed by conference ever-increasing problem of hous­ man with two children, was lucky Repairs in Germany ing in relation to day manning. the day manning system any­ rejecting the system, but has any where in the British fire service not to be killed, but he is still The chairman of the Fire Bri­ of this pious passing of resolutions What is vitally necessary in con­ away from work some seven In spite of requests, no consul­ gade Committee, Councillor Tony nection with any attempt to con­ for the last five years. Whatever tations have taken place between stopped the spread or even slowed else the 1955 Duty System months later. Guy, has stated publicly that he it down? No, it has not. Very trol this growth, is that we get The interests of Bro. Hughes, the fire authority and the Union's would be prepared to be “first up the conditions of service amended Agreement did, it brought the Area Committee and the represen­ much the opposite, in fact. introduction of the day manning arising from his accident and his the ladder when it returns after so that a ceiling is placed on the consequent serious injuries, are, of tations made in correspondence repairs” to show “his faith in it”. There are more stations on it absolute maximum number of system of duty into the arena of course, being looked after by the were rejected by the Fire Brigade in more areas than ever before, He should really not complain hours any man shall work or give Union negotiations, and since local area officials and the Union’s Committee and their decisions in and in my opinion there are a lot that time there have not been if the members of the brigade con­ cover, in any one week. Legal Department. the matter have since been en­ sider his offer to be a “gimmick”, more to come unless this Union Without this there will always more than a dozen or so exten­ It is, therefore, quite understand­ dorsed by the full Council. gets its finger out and takes some sions of the system, about half and he does seem to have over­ be members who are prepared to able that our membership in The Council have decided to looked the fact that there will be very militant and positive steps to perform duties for 168 hours a of these replacing retained sta­ Wolverhampton, led by the Area send the ladder to Germany for stop it. tions, and all with local Union no one to operate the ladder in week, and there will always be Secretary, Bro. Bernard Goodwin, repair and will then decide its view of the decision taken by the agreement. chief officers who will let them, have very clearly indicated to the operational future on its return to general meeting. And, anyway, Shillings bait and therein lies our greatest prob­ Editor. Fire Brigade Committee their this country. An earlier proposal what relevance has Councillor lem. Guy’s offer got to the type of Let me ask the members of this The fact that a member eventu­ conditions that firemen are called Union : is it not time that we made ally has to leave his tied house and upon to endure at the top of a up our minds to adopt a coherent find alternative accommodation on turn-table ladder on a bitterly cold policy in this matter? retirement is usually brushed on night, with a building of many The past steady spread of day one side with the vain hope that floors and the roof all “going manning has always been at the something will turn up when that well”? price set by our employers. They day comes, or that some benevo­ dangle a few shillings before our lent housing authority will look That is what the Wolverhampton eyes for an increase in hours of kindly on retired firemen. members mean by confidence in duty. their equipment, Councillor Guy!!! This was aggravated by the ac­ Silly situation Through all this period, it should ceptance of whole-time/retained be said that the membership of duties for those men on the 48- Because some men are prepared the Fire Brigades Union have had hour week, and we all know the to be available all hours of the day no cause for complaint whatso­ historical background to that. This and night we are rapidly getting ever against the Chief Officer, Mr. was followed in course of time by into the absolutely silly situation S. Keely, who has consistently a large number of applications in where ten men on a day manning advised the fire authority that the brigades to carry out these duties station are keeping two pumps on ladder should not be repaired and and this must have been proof to the run day and night which takes has emphasised the importance of our employers that men are pre­ 40 men on a 56-hour two-pump retaining the confidence of his brigade in all their equipment. pared to become “ever readies” station! for increased money, however You will never control greedy But, it would appear, to no small. employers, and without a ceiling avail, as the fire authority do not want to listen to expert advice, Before those of our comrades placed on hours you cannot con­ trol greedy employees. If this sys­ only to the consideration of their on the 48 or 56-hour duty systems economic policy. start getting hot under the collar, tem is to remain we must, there­ fore, before it is too late, work let me remind them that very Sanity needed many of them would not be en­ out an equitable arrangement for The new No. 13 District Executive Councillor Bro. (Tim) Lock spoke very highly of the joying those systems of duty had all concerned, fire authority and Bro. Ken Wickham, and District Secretary Bro. assistance he had received from the FBU at all serving members. Fred Butler, were welcomed by the retained levels throughout his mishap. He felt convinced However, the members of the it not been possible to sacrifice members of Dorchester Branch on Saturday, 22 that without the Union fighting on his behalf very Wolverhampton Council must stations to day manning in ex­ I say to this Union and its mem­ bers, to the Executive Council and March when Bro. Wickham, on behalf of the EC, little, if any, compensation would have been come to realise, and it is hoped, change for the fire authorities’ presented a cheque for £4,800 to Bro. A. Lock, a forthcoming. before they have wasted the rate­ agreeing to implement the shorter the officials: we cannot go on retained member, who sustained serious leg injuries Although his injury has meant early retirement ducking this issue for ever in the from the retained service, the cheque will go a long payers money, that firemen are not working week. But where do we when a fire appliance crashed in 1966. going to allow their lives to be stop? vain hope that it might go away. Bro. Wickham said he hoped all members of way towards his rehabilitation. It was pleasing to Positive and militant action is the retained service would read of this event, and learn also that Tim and his wife had won a holiday used in a kind of “Russian Rou­ I have raised this matter at lette”, as it has been decribed by previous annual conferences and called for NOW. Don’t wait for that it would encourage those outside of the FBU for two in Majorca in a draw at the Dorset Fire some of our members. I say it again. There should be a Holroyd. to join. Service Ball. APRIL, 1969 FIREFIGHTER 3 Premises must be FIRST APPLIANCE Dundee aims to tackle the controlled to avoid CARRIED NO B.A. jute problem with a ON THURSDAY, 20th February, a fire occurred in a shop in risks to firemen, Brecon when an elderly man died of suffocation. The appliance code of practice first attending carried no breathing apparatus and a police car had to IT IS a well known saying in bers of the public and adjacent many occasions during this period rules Judge dash back to the fire station to Scotland that the prosperity of property. to both the firemaster and the fire obtain sets before the firemen authority by the local area com­ the City of Dundee is founded Several years ago, the Dundee could effect an entry. and Angus Area Committee first mittee and the district committee. ON 8th FEBRUARY, in the Court of Session, Lord Guthrie upon Jam, Jute and Journa­ gave an important judgement when he ruled that the person Chief Fire Officer for Brecon raised with the District Commit­ Following one meeting last year lism. In this decade Jute is tee the need for a close look at with the firemaster an instruction in control of premises owed a duty to firemen to exercise and Radnor, Mr. Charles Richards, told the local press that it is not King. This has, over the years, the problem in order that firemen was issued to all officers in the reasonable care to avoid causing a fire which was likely to the policy of the brigade to carry presented the Dundee and would not be exposed to serious brigade, and read to all personnel, expose the firemen to risk of injury. breathing apparatus on all fire Angus Fire Brigade with a risk as the result of building or that in future no man was to be brigade tenders. One of the jute collapse when called to deal exposed to danger at jute fires, and The proceedings arose out of problem perhaps unique in the actions raised by two Glasgow By National Officer reasons why is because “it is too with outbreaks of fire. that where warehouses were over­ costly”, said the Chief Officer. British Fire Service. packed or badly stored men had firemen who were injured after an TOM HASTON explosion while they were fighting The Union make no comment Committee set up not to enter them, but to fight the The handling of raw jute is a fire from the outside. a fire at premises of the defend­ on the actual fire at Brecon, but show that the company or their seasonal trade, and during the In 1967 a sub-committee of the The firemaster issued a public ants, British Dyewood Company, surely cost or no cost, it is winter months when it is coming Glasgow. employees were in some degree impossible for the predetermined Scottish Central Fire Brigades statement in the local press that For the firemen it was argued negligent. first attendance to a shop in the into Dundee it is stored, in many Advisory Council was set up with he was not prepared to risk the that the company should have Clearly, the point of law decided High Street, or any other street cases, in buildings which are the purpose of improving upon the lives of his men in fighting fires in appreciated that if fire broke out upon in the judgement by Lord for that matter, not to carry totally unsuitable. In the event fire prevention arrangements in the warehouses where management in its ether plant firemen who Guthrie is one having far reaching breathing apparatus. of fire the behaviour of jute, storage of jute, having regard not paid no regard to storage. (See effects. That this is appreciated only to the protection of em­ “Firefighter” December 1968). attended would be exposed to No doubt HM Inspector of Fire both in its readiness to catch fire serious risk of injury in the event by the defendants and their in­ and its rapid swelling character­ ployees in jute storage premises The Scottish Advisory Council surers is evidenced by the fact that Services will have a comment to and the safeguarding of adjacent considered at its meeting on the of a sudden and violent explosion, make on this. istics when wetted, as well as the and, therefore, it was the com­ they are appealing against the property, but also to the safety of 6 March, 1969, a code of practice decision and it is likely to be The Union will certainly be conditions under which it is fire brigade personnel. for fire precautions in jute storage. pany’s duty to take all reasonable stored, present a serious hazard steps to conduct their operations some months before the appeal is asking the CFBAC to have a look The sub-committee was com­ This deals with many aspects of and exercise control on the prem­ heard. at the matter. to firefighters as well as to mem­ posed of members of the service the problem—storage, drainage, ises in such a manner as to prevent organisations and representatives venting, smoking, electric equip­ an outbreak of fire there and to from the Jute Trade Association. ment and the responsibility of prevent an explosion. Bro. E. Humphries, our President, management. It was further argued that the OPEN DAY for neighbours represented the Union. provisions of the Factories Act, The sub-committee met on six Not enforceable 1961, for the protection of “any O f occasions as well as visiting a person” working in a place was cross section of the jute ware­ Whilst it is true to say that this intended to cover firemen there. houses in Dundee in order to have code lacks in so much that it E ast End as complete a picture as possible cannot be enforced such as a Owed no duty of the conditions that prevailed. Government Act, nevertheless it is Fire Station During the life of the sub-com­ felt that its adoption by the jute The company maintained that mittee the Dundee Fire Brigade they took all reasonable steps to trade will go a long way in reduc­ had to deal with a number of ing the danger to life and property. prevent a fire. They denied that large and serious jute fires, both in they or their employees owed any The Advisory Council meeting 8th MARCH 1969 warehouses and aboard ships in agreed rather than simply send duty to the firemen and main­ the harbour. On a number of tained that the occupier of 1 pm to 5 pm copies of the code to the jute occasions the personnel had nar­ trade that arrangements should be premises was not liable if he had row escapes whilst fighting such caused injury to the firemen by a made to launch the code with as One of the most essential One of the biggest crosses fires. subsequent and additional act of services of today's modern we have to bear today is the much publicity as possible at an world is now in residence in malicious false-alarm fire appropriate meeting in Dundee. negligence after the firemen had your vicinity. We are pleased calls and we feel that every Risk of collapse to be here with this brand new right thinking member of the As with fire safety, the produc­ come on to the premises to deal establis hment and we sincerely community m ust abhor this act hope that you will grow to of the slightly twisted mind and tion of this code is a step forward, with the fire. Moreover, as the accept us in your midst. We will assist us in our efforts to Old buildings, situated in narrow intend having an Open Day on bring the culprits to justice. occupier could not control the the above date and we cordially back streets, packed tight from but real progress will be made invite you to come along to your However, we hope that as activities of the firemen he owed new fire station, see what one and when we become better floor to ceiling and hard against when the personnel of fire brigades, of the most modern emergency known, the local community - them no duty to avoid injury to centres in the country looks your goodselves - will accept us external walls, always carried with including Dundee, will be out and like and m eet the men who offer as the front line service we are, him. a service to the community. and will help to lay this ghost them the likelihood of collapse, about constantly inspecting and You will find that we are a that haunts us. advising, not only the jute indus­ Lord Guthrie expressed the friendly and considerate people Come along on the Open Day either by the walls being pushed who have been trained to render - Meet the men on duty - See try, but all industry, hospitals opinion that the defendants’ argu­ assistance to all and anyone in them at work and say "hello" to out or upper floors being unable to trouble and this is what we your new neighbours. ment offended against the first w an t to do support the weight of wet jute. schools, shops and offices and principles of the law of negligence. Representation was made on households on the dangers of fire. It seemed to him clear that it was reasonably foreseeable that if a fire broke out in premises contain­ ing inflammable and explosive GOOD materials firemen would be called Determination helps to make th e to deal with it and would be ex­ posed to the dangers resulting. RELATIONS The mere fact that firemen, in the course of their duty, were in Newcastle impossible a possibility now required to cope with the conse­ quences of what was the defend­ IMMEDIATELY following the SOMEONE once said that the you agree that the term fire pre­ ants’ possible carelessness in start­ opening of Newcastle's new East difficult takes a little time—the Scottish District Report vention at this moment in time is ing the fire did not mean that the End fire station, members of the impossible a little longer. It is a a misnomer—because at present firemen accepted the risk. public were invited by the Chief quip that would certainly seem to by Executive Councillor WILLIE MILLER under the various Acts the Officer of the Newcastle and Gates­ apply to two matters which the emphasis is on how to get out after Argument rejected head Fire Brigade, Mr. P. Watters, Scottish District have been trying the fire has started”. to visit the station during an open to deal with for the past two years. Alex Napier, the district secretary. one voice was raised in opposition In every case the answer was Saying that the actions raised by day on 8th March. For a number of years now the Within the memo we were able or criticism. Indeed, many local yes. Mr. McDonald asked the the two firemen were regarded by The invitation to the public was Scottish District, in pursuing the to use quotes from many eminent authority representatives endorsed factory inspector if he was aware members of the fire service as conveyed in an attractive two- policy of the Union, has consist­ persons who had, over the years, and advocated support for the aims of Section 50 of the Factories Act raising important questions of law colour leaflet reproduced above. ently had before the Scottish consistently intimated their con­ of the Union. which referred to fire prevention. as to their rights to damages for Trades Union Congress and the cern on this matter, but who had It was agreed in principle that The inspector answered that he injuries sustained in the course of The new station replaces the former Headlam Street fire station Scottish Labour Party resolutions never offered any solution to the one of the first tasks of the new was aware of that section but “the their duties, Lord Guthrie rejected calling upon them to assist us problem. Scottish Inspector of Fire Services, Minister, as yet, has made no the company’s argument that a which was built in 1902. It houses a pump escape, a pump and a 85 achieve a more efficient use of Mr. J. Jackson, would be to ex­ enactments with regard to preven­ fireman voluntarily incurred the firemen on some form of fire pre­ amine the possibility of setting up tion.” risks necessarily associated with foot Snorkel which has a ‘closed Plan new role vention work. Whilst it is true to a working party to examine the The findings of the fatal accident firefighting and accordingly re­ circuit television system’ in its cabin. say that our resolutions were In an evaluation of the situation proposals the Union had made. enquiry are now in the past, but jected that the occupier of accepted by those bodies it was the memo concludes: "The FBU The Executive Council’s decision we must use them for the future. premises who carelessly started a The camera in the cage is fitted not until 1968 that some positive considers that the gravity of the to be represented at the inquiry fire was under no liability to make with a zoom lens and is remotely controlled from ground level. A action was taken. present trend in losses of life, into the James Watt Street fire is Progress reparation to injured firemen. He property and industry to the nation one which will never be regretted rejected also the firemen’s argu­ video tape recording system is also incorporated. Must alter system through the ravages of fire make by this Union. The Scottish CFBAC met again ment that the Factories Act, 1961, it imperative that a start be con­ on 6 March, 1969. HM Inspector, for the protection of “any person” and Southampton Supported by correspondence sidered towards the planning of a along with officials of the Scottish working in a place was intended from the STUC and the SLP to all new role for the fire service which Experts helpless Home and Health Department who to cover firemen fighting a fire. THE “Southern Evening Echo” Scottish local authorities the dis­ will be weighted towards the pre­ As each person who had some were present every day at the Proof was allowed on the firemen’s recently published a four page trict committee met as many of the vention role as a solution to our degree of responsibility on matters James Watt Street inquiry, were common law claim. supplement on the Southampton authorities as was possible to try fire losses.” concerning safety from fire gave also present at the meeting of the Although the two firemen are Fire Brigade. and convince them that if any real Before the Scottish Central Fire their evidence, so it became more Council. The working party has suing for £3,000 and £10,000 The feature was titled “This is impact was to be made on the Brigades Advisory Council met on and more apparent that under the now been set up to examine how respectively, Lord Guthrie’s judge­ the Fire Brigade”, and although ever-growing fire losses, both 10 December, 1968 to consider the present system the real experts in best we can go about the task of ment does not settle entitlement to the inclusion of hook ladder drills monetary and life, then the present Union's submissions, the tragic fire the field of fire and its prevention, ‘the better utilisation of the fire these sums or any part of these did not go down too well with our system of utilising trained firemen at James Watt Street, Glasgow, the men of the fire service, were service in regard to fire preven­ sums. The judgement simply lays local area, publicity on the work as domestic chars when not en­ had occurred with the loss of 22 not only unable to utilise their tion and fire safety'. down that the persons in control of the fire brigades locally is wel­ gaged in firefighting must be lives. At the meeting the Council’s manpower in a preventative role, The Scottish District Committee of premises owe a duty to firemen come, however limited. altered. chairman intimated that there was they were also bereft of power are conscious of a job well done to exercise reasonable care to The justified complaint is only In October 1968 the district correspondence from the TUC which would enable them to so far. We know full well, avoid causing a fire which is likely too often that the activities of fire committee submitted a lengthy and urging support and action on the inspect and enforce. however, that the job is only be­ to expose firemen to injury. There­ brigades are hardly mentioned. comprehensive memo to the Scot­ Union’s submissions. Counsel for the Union, Mr. I. ginning, for although this is after it remained for the damages How about your local news­ tish Central Fire Brigades Advisory The Union representatives spoke McDonald, QC, put the following perhaps the break-through we have actions to proceed, and for these paper; have they run a feature on Council which includes some dev­ at length to their paper and in the question to a number of witnesses, been striving for, the victory to succeed it will be necessary to the fire brigade recently? astating statistics compiled by Bro. full discussion that followed not including the fire service: “Would could be lost by complacency. 4 FIREFIGHTER APRIL. 1969

OFFICERS’ ANNUAL MEETING UNION IS NOW MORE WIDELY RECOGNISED

On the platform at the meeting are, left to right, Executive Councillors TO REPRESENT E. Jones, W ilf Barber and Ray Kilburn (our new Vice-President). Bro. P. OFFICERS’ NATIONAL COMMITTEE Smith, Chairman of the Officers’ National Committee, Bro. Parry, the General Secretary, Bro. Tom Harris, Assistant General Secretary, and Bro. Executive Council Member: E. Jones (No. 15 District) B. Packer, Secretary of the ONC. Chairman: P. Smith (No. 16 District) OFFICERS start equating the responsibilities Ranks and responsibilities Secretary: B. Packer (No. 9 District) after Holroyd had reported. The District 1 A. Booth District 9 W . Futter Union has experience to bring to The difficulties where re-organis­ bear on the problem well before “The future of the service is in the hands „ 2 J. Lowry „ 10 J. Smith ation and centralisation brings „ 3 W . Kerr „ 11 V, Harris the final report is published. added responsibilities gave rise to of Holroyd. The future of the Union as a body „ 4 J. Butler „ 12 Vacant The resolution was: — a resolution moved by Bro. Beau­ representing officers is safely in the hands of G. Aitken 13 j. Hadwin “This Officers’ National Com­ champ of District No. 14. „ 5 „ mittee, fully appreciating the As was pointed out, National the Officers’ National Committee represent­ „ 6 K. Hollings­ „ 14 R. Taylor possible repercussions upon the Joint Council circulars cover the ing, as it does, members of all ranks above worth „ 15 T. Royle service of the Holroyd Commit­ grading of senior officers accord­ sub officer from every district in the „ 7 R. Rhodes „ 16 J. Higgins tee and its report, considers that ing to appliances and populations. „ 8 J. Morgan the time is now opportune for When centralisation or re-organis­ country”. an examination of conditions of ation brings responsibilities not service for officers. previously held and not covered by “Recognising that these con­ NJC agreement, then these should THESE WORDS concluded the those area and district officials tention of specialist officers ditions of service whilst reflect­ be recognised by upgrading. The report of the year’s work of the who have assisted in settling hours of work; the work of the Time is ripe ing conditions negotiated for the resolution was agreed. committee presented by the issues on behalf of officer mem­ Executive Councillor for No. 5 lower ranks, are negotiable in an Assistant General Secretary, bers without reference to the District and the ONC repre­ autonomous committee of Na­ Bro. Tom Harris. It was a report Officers’ National Committee. sentative, Bro. Aitken, who to examine tional Joint Council, it is the Fuel and light allowances which indicated the success of Whilst our membership of successfully negotiated the intro­ view of this Committee that the Executive Council should form The limited advances made by representations made to gain nearly 1,200 in officer ranks is duction of the bonus shift and local approaches to increase fuel recognition of the Union as a not adequately reflected at relative payments for the officers its own sub-committee consisting conditions of Executive Council members and light allowances above the representative body for officers national level the U nion’s in the Isle of Man. and members of the Officers prescribed minimum gave rise to of the fire service. In Wiltshire strength and driving force is These activities are welcomed National Committee. The terms a resolution once again from No. the Union is now recognised: more easily appreciated at local as the “norm” and together with of service of reference to be —‘To examine 8 District re-affirming the need for Somerset too. So too was the level. the work of those areas where and report on conditions of the National Joint Council to re­ issue resolved in Leicestershire The activities of the Bath increases in fuel and light allow­ SPEAKING for the Officers’ service for officers in the light vise the minimum of £50. National Committee, Bro. Further to this, the delegates and will be resolved in the Area Committee in successfully ances have been negotiated is of Union policies and the Hollingsworth of No. 6 District, Holroyd Committee’.” from No. 1 District argued their current arenas of Southend, opposing, on the instruction of indicative of the activity of the advised the Executive Council that resolution that it should be obli­ Teesside and Manchester. its officer membership, a change Union on behalf of officer the time was opportune for them The sentiments expressed by gatory to pay a rent allowance of Bro. Harris paid tribute to in routine allowing for an ex- members. to set up a working sub-committee Bro. Hollingsworth were supported one-sixth of salary. “to examine and report on condi­ and echoed by Bro. Royle of In spite of the Assistant General tions of service for officers in the District 15. After discussion the Secretary’s counter argument that resolution was carried unani­ ● from page one light of Union policies and the this was not the way to get ade­ Holroyd Committee”. mously. quate recompense for the 96-hour In moving the resolution, Bro. week, both resolutions received the PLA N FOR endorsement of the meeting. Hollingsworth said that full re­ 84-hour week PROGRESS gard should be given to the in­ tentions as yet only anticipated, of Having disposed of allowances It was necessary that the ampli­ the Holroyd Committee. Whilst the for the residential system of duty fication of the Union’s evidence to responsibilities for officers might the delegates turned their atten­ the Holroyd Committee is under­ change, it would be too late to tion to the duty system itself. stood, for the Holroyd report Recalling the policy of the Scottish LP could be a turning point in the Union for a 48-hour week for history of the British fire service. officers, Bro. Booth of No. 1 There was no doubt that the District got full support for his aids us on impact of the Holroyd Committee, resolution calling on the Executive coupled with the anticipated find­ Council to press for a reduction ings of the Royal Commission on in the hours of residential officers fire safety Local Government Boundaries to 84 hours a week. This, he said, would have a greater impact on is the logical progress from the the fire service than anything that HARRY BLACK (Birmingham), 120-hour week through the 96 and ABERDEEN in March either has happened since 1948. above: The differential should be on to the 84. numbs the mind into insensibility It was not too early, in the an adequate reward for extra In accepting the resolution, the or stimulates it into chillingly, opinion of the General Secretary responsibilities. Assistant General Secretary had to clear logic — depending on whether to think of the disappearance of point out that although the Union one is a hardy Scot or cosseted over half the present fire authori­ had pressed for and obtained the southerner! The Scottish Labour ties. Thus, in a period of such elimination of the 120-hour week, Party, having a preponderence of natives in its ranks, enjoyed a drastic change, the only organisa­ Bro. D’ARCY (Liverpool), insert there were, according to the Prices tion able to speak on behalf of all right, checks his notes while and Incomes Board Report, still vigorous three day conference in ranks below chief officer would speaking to one of the motions. 116 officers who consented to con­ the “granite city” commencing on be the one with membership in all tinue the 120-hour week. 28 March, 1969. the ranks—the Fire Brigades These main resolutions, together Home rule fanatics were con­ Union. with others remitted for examina­ spicuous by their absence. How­ Commenting on all that could tion, will have the attention of the ever, an interim report calling for flow from the Holroyd Committee, Union’s Executive Council. deeper involvement in Scottish Bro. Parry said that there could affairs in Parliament was adopted be a new role for firemen, bring­ almost unanimously. ing in its train changes in functions Pay Resolutions calling for a faster and responsibilities of officers. G. AITKEN (ONC District S) build-up of comprehensive schools, There would then come as the above: Let us have more publicity Bro. H. Black of the No. 7 more inducements for teachers, a result the review of officers’ salary on officers. District presented a formidable comprehensive investigation into scales as foreseen by the Prices argument for the urgent considera­ local authority house-building and Incomes Board. tion of the question of the differen­ costs, abolition of toll bridge tials in pay between ranks. He charges, and an intensification of New burdens claimed that the differential must endeavour to bring more self­ The progress that will be made be an adequate reward for addi­ generating industries to Scotland towards a twentieth century fire tional responsibilities. were all unanimously carried. service would place additional The meeting had already heard Delegates listened attentively for burdens on the Union and its the General Secretary report on about 12 minutes to Bro. Willie Executive Council. Changes in the considered effect of the Hol­ Miller while he successfully moved boundaries and functions would royd report upon the service and the FBU’s resolutions on fire not eliminate the worst aspects of already knew of the Prices and safety; the hushed atmosphere a an introvert service. It would be Incomes Board report which had fitting tribute to the seriousness of recommended an interim increase the content and the compelling the Union's responsibility with its “JIM" LO W RY (Belfast) above: district and area committees to in pay for officers, preliminary to manner in which it was presented. A standard duty system for The Scottish District owes a great guide the service through the com­ residential officers is needed. the Holroyd report. In these cir­ ing changes without regard to cumstances. the Assistant General deal to the Scottish Council of the parochial issues. Secretary had to inform the meet­ Labour Party for the success of “It will,” said the General ing that the degree of urgency their campaign during 1968 to Secretary, “be the responsibility suggested by the mover could not bring about a service for the sixties. of the Executive Council and the be accepted. The meeting had al­ The Union delegation consisted Officers' National Committee to ready agree to recommend the set­ of Bros. Miller, Raphael and ensure in a period of great change ting up of an Executive Council Napier. The president, Bro. RAY BEAUCHAMP (Somerset) Humphries, was a close observer. that the structure of the Union right: Additional responsibilities sub-committee to examine and adequately reflects the officer through decentralisation are not report on conditions of service for A NAPIER. membership that the Union holds." covered in NJC agreements. officers. Scottish District Secretary. APRIL, 1969 FIREFIGHTER 5 AROUND THE WEEKEND SCHOOLS Officer pupils were The L A riot film Government policy a notable was on their dominated syllabus at Whitley feature rial peace. The trade unions are THE combined Lancashire, York­ Wortley Hall for another function) mostly concerned that “strike bal­ shire and Midlands District and led on to the social aspects of lots” could be made compulsory THE JOINT Nos. 7, 8 and 15 Regional Weekend School was the riots and the General Secre­ in the case of official strikes. Where Districts weekend school for 1969 held this year again at Wortley tary, Terry Parry, dealing with the held at the Ormescliffe Hotel, a major strike is likely to take Hall, nr. Sheffield. Each of the role of the fire service on such place it is proposed that the Min­ Llandudno, on 8/9 March last three districts had their full quota occasions. ister will discuss with the unions proved to be most successful and of students and together with the On Sunday, both in the morning concerned the desirability of hold­ instructive. three Executive Councillors and ing a ballot. and afternoon sessions, the school It attracted a very large number district officials, the Union had On Sunday the General Secre­ of students, including officer mem­ around 50 members in attendance. had the benefit of lectures and discussions with the General tary, Bro. Parry, carried on where bers and a high proportion of Tom Urwin had left off with the On Saturday the school was Secretary. In the morning session by BILL McHARRY, No. 3 District young members. addressed by Mr. Harry Barnes, Secretary trade union movement as it is Bro. John Horner, MP, took Bro. Parry dealt in a most practi­ today, and naturally, one of the MA, who is a full-time lecturer cal way with the economic situa­ THE students were quickly into the Saturday afternoon session, by F. G. T. SMITH, No. 7 District in political and economic subjects main points this weekend was the dealing with the early struggles of tion and how it affected trade the lectures at the Nos. 1 and 3 trouble at Fords. Secretary at Sheffield University. Mr. unions. He interlaced his talk District week-end school at Whit­ trade unionists and the current Barnes took the students through Bro. Parry outlined the major problems of the working class, with a number of witty examples ley Bay on 1 and 2 March. difference between Government the development of identifiable and analogies, for which he is First to lecture was Mr. Tom culminating in a close examination for earnings-related social security, political groupings in Britain both economic policy and the proposals of the Government’s White Paper and its possible effect upon the noted, and kept the students in Urwin, MP, who represents the set out in the TUC Economic Sur­ in the terms of Parliamentary and good spirits. Houghton-le-Spring division and —“In Place of Strife”—and the Fireman's Pension Scheme. Many extra-parliamentary sense. vey for 1969. The essential dif­ future role of the Labour Party questions were asked on this sub­ On Sunday afternoon the is a Minister in the Department of ference, he said, was that the and the trade union movement. ject and many points were clari­ An excellent discussion was General Secretary dealt specifically Employment and Productivity. Government made the first This session created such in­ fied, if I may say, by a most able provoked and the class found Mr. with the problems and policies of Before entering the House, Tom priority a balance of payments terest that the subsequent questions Tom Haston. Barnes an outspoken tutor with a the Fire Brigades Union. A very was the northern organiser for the target, but as crises developed and answers period extended into All in all, the school was an firm point of view. lively discussion took place at National Union of Building Trade mostly out of their control and Saturday evening. undoubted great success and a both sessions. Operatives and was by profession mainly on the international mone­ a “brickie”, so trade unionism and credit to all who assisted me to On fire service hours Bro. tary scene, they adjusted all other organise it. I anticipate that many Saturday cinema the education of its members were parts of their economic programme Parry said one thing was quite not strange to him. Problems of the younger students have al­ clear; the Union could not be in favour of their balance of pay­ ready applied for a place at the On Saturday evening a film of Tom Urwin’s theme was on ment target. This meant in one expected to have the capacity to “The Task Ahead”, an economic On Sunday morning our General Union’s forthcoming 1969 the fire service of Los Angeles at obtain the money for the bonus form or another deflation, another National School at Wortley Hall, the time of the riots was shown. assessment to 1972 and a guide to word for reducing home consump­ Secretary, Bro. Terry Parry, out­ shift for those who did not work how the economy is likely to de­ lined in a detailed manner the Sheffield, on 11/17 October next. This film had been loaned to the the system, but the Union did have tion, the effect of which is rising Union by the Canadian branch velop over the next four years. background of the country’s present I take this opportunity, on be­ the capacity to continually wage a After questions and tea Tom prices, holding down wages and economic position, the recent half of the Nos. 7, 8 and 15 of the International Association of struggle for a lower basic week leading to more unemployment. Firefighters following the visit of Urwin went on to the recently wage award, current problems and Districts, to extend hearty thanks than 48 hours. published White Paper on indust­ After lunch Terry brought in the future policies of the Union. to Bros. John Horner, Terry Parry our President, Bro. Humphries, to rial relations “In Place of Strife”. the problems facing the Union and Again, great interest was created and Tom Haston for the excellent the 50th Anniversary Convention The social facilities and food at started with the story behind the Wortley Hall were up to their Collective agreements w e by the lecture and the questions contributions they made to the of the IAF in Toronto. The film learned, are not to be made last wage negotiations and then and answers period was lengthy. general success of our joint week­ was discussed with John Mendel- usual standard and were not continued on the “Service for the wasted on the students. legally binding as the Government From discussions held later it was end school. son, MP (who was visiting feel to do so would hinder indust- 60’s”, our insistence on an enquiry obvious that the younger members into the service, the Holroyd Com­ had been very much enlightened mittee and what could come from about the past, present and future the latter. problems of the Union. A good discussion took place on The school’s concluding Sunday Years of knowledge dispensed in two days the shorter working week and it afternoon session was taken by was obvious from the remarks that Bro. Tom Haston (National THE WEEKEND school held on unions and the Government was Humphries certainly knows his such schools of education as this. the argument always came back to Officer), the subject being “The 15/16 February at the Royal indeed to the point and understood subject, and put it over fairly and We thank all concerned who “is it cash or fewer hours?” Fireman’s Pension Scheme”. Hotel, Weymouth, combining 13 by the back benchers present. It honestly. made the school a success and who "Whatever criticism we may As usual (I have heard Tom so and 14 SW Districts, was for me, certainly opened the eyes of the Congratulations must be ex­ provided such first class accom­ have of Government policy or many times) he again made his dry and I am sure for all members students, especially the beginners. tended to Bro. Roy Hulonce, No. modation. To members who can employers’ proposals, a Union is and most difficult and complicated present, well worthwhile and From the President—Enoch 14 District Chairman, who, at manage a week at Wortley in in charge of making its own policy subject sound so easy and above packed full of knowledge accumu­ Humphries—a talk about the short notice, took the class through October all I can say is “GO”. on which it is entitled to be all most interesting. lated over the years by the Union, specifically over the last the structure of the Union, a sub­ judged.” With these words the Part of the session was most lecturers. 10 years. Where we were; where ject he covered very well indeed, General Secretary brought to a usefully devoted to the Govern­ John Horner was his usual in­ we are today; and where we go in thus giving us another example close the school which, it was ment’s new national superannua­ teresting self. His talk including the next decade with the influence of the knowledge of our officials, PHIL PLUMMER agreed, had been very enjoyable tion and social insurance proposals the relationship between the trade of the Holroyd Report. Bro. gained, of course, by attending Plymstock, Plymouth and successful.

‘Making do’ just won’t do for BELFAST AREA OFFICIALS ARE PROMOTED Belfast take pleasure in announc­ Archie McArdle, Bro. Joe Hall and ing “pension parity” with the rest Bro. Ken Kernaghan for their ex­ loM members by B. DYNES, of Great Britain. cellent support, skill and patience Trouble brews up Area Secretary The task was not an easy one which assisted so much in bring­ IT ONLY NEEDS a glance at the and the area committee would like ing the negotiations to a success­ Douglas Fire Station to realise to thank the Union’s pension ex­ ful conclusion. that it is completely outdated and on Teesside over pert, Bro. Tom Haston, Bro. must surely retard the provision Brigade, has been awarded a 1969 and training of a modem fire ser­ Winston Churchill Travelling vice. AFS revival plans Scholarship. The citizens of Douglas and, There were 2,423 applications indeed, the Government, are well for scholarships, under eleven President sees Southend aware of the inadequacy of the BRO. BILL GIFFIN, the No. 3 categories. present building. £120,000 has District Chairman and a member Bro. Sefton is the only member been in the estimates for years, of the recently formed Teesside fire of the fire service in Northern CFO on firefighting at sea but as happens so often on the authority reports that storm clouds Ireland to gain an award. It is Bro. Sefton's intention to BEFORE attending a meeting of representatives would arrange a mainland fire service spending is are gathering in that area. Southend area members on Tues­ a long way down the “priority ADO RICHARD SEFTON: The only visit America and Canada, where meeting with the CFO to inform Bro. Giffin says that the two day, 25 February, the President, him that the men want to know ladder”. N. Ireland member to gain a he will compare firefighting tech­ main causes are rights of repre­ Bro. Enoch Humphries, met CFO whether or not he is to go for The decision of the fire services Churchill scholarship award. niques and rescue equipment used sentation for all ranks and the Anderson of the Southend Brigade firefighting at sea. If he decides committee to adapt the disused on elevated motorways. persistent attempts to keep the at the latter's request for a brief to opt for it then the men want drill hall as a fire station has “AFS” in being. exchange on firefighting at sea. brought criticism from all sections the approved equipment and train­ Teesside are not alone in seeking THREE of Belfast Area Commit­ The CFO said he was willing to ing programmes. of the community in Douglas. to perpetuate the AFS in some tee's active Union officials have NJC conditions meet the Union's area representa­ The President also explained the Our whole-time members work shape or form. been promoted. tives, Bros. Hayward and Tharby, circumstances of our recent pay a form of daymanning, and the The union must make it clear Station Officer Tommy Douglas who have been trying to reach award and the Union's future pay drill hall at Tromode is much too that we regard the fire service of has been promoted to Assistant After long discussions the Bel­ agreement on this subject for some policy. great a distance from the men’s today as a professional body, and Divisional Officer. Bro. Douglas is fast Area Committee has time past. District Secretary, Bro. Dick homes to provide proper fire cover. we would expect all chief officers the officers’ representative to the achieved National Joint Council The President was accompanied Foggie. informed the members of Householders, shopkeepers and wishing to display sound common Belfast Area Committee. conditions of service for its mem­ by EC member Ted Hills and No. the action taken by the Union on hoteliers are concerned that such sense to think and act likewise. bership. The District Secretary, Sub- 10 District Secretary, Bro. Dick the recent attempt to introduce a siting could only result in a There is no place in the modem At a meeting of the Belfast City Foggie. day manning at Clacton and re­ poorer service. fire service for voluntary week-end Officer Henry Kernaghan, was Council the conditions were ap­ promoted to Station Officer, Fire A lively discussion followed the quested as much support as Surely, after all these years of well-doers dressed up as real fire­ proved and took effect from 1st President’s address to the branch possible at their rally on Tuesday, “making do” with the present men, and unless there is some Prevention Department, and area January, 1969. official, Leading Fireman lack on firefighting at sea: the main 4 March, outside the County Hall. building the firemen of Douglas quick re-thinking in the few places In making this announcement point being the low water mark Chelmsford. are entitled to expect something trying it on, both our full time Fell, has been promoted to Sub- the area committee wish to thank officer. which is approximately one mile This was a good, lively meeting; better than this. We need a pro­ members and retained members are the EC member Bro. Archie from the shore at Southend, thus we trust it will not be such a long perly planned, purpose-built fire going to hand out a sharp trade The Area Committee wish all McArdle, District Chairman, Bro. rough seas and deep water can period before Bro. Enoch comes station with facilities for modem union lesson. three good luck and every success Joe Hall and District Secretary, be a hazard to firemen fighting a to address our members again. training to enable the service Who knows? Teesside may be in their new posts. Bro. Ken Kernaghan for their un­ boat fire well inside the low water Thank you, Bro. Enoch. to move forward into the field of just as good a place to make a Assistant Divisional Officer tiring work which, I'm sure, will mark. K. M. HARDINGHAM fire prevention. start as anywhere. Richard Sefton, of the Belfast be appreciated by all members. It was resolved that the area Southend 6 FIREFIGHTER APRIL, 1969 FORUM FIELDfare “ It’s all part of the economy drive. This way we help to reduce petrol con­ Tribute to the firemen sumption!” and the film of the L A riots I HAVE been asked by our went in the burning riot area to members in Birmingham to express get out a woman having a baby. our appreciation at being able to The film was loaned to the see the film of the Los Angeles Union following the contacts made Fire Brigade at work during the when our President, Bro. Hum­ period of the riots in the Watts phries, attended as a fraternal area of that city. visitor the American Firefighters Whatever image we might have Conference in Toronto last year. had of American firemen’s attitude I am sure that all British fire­ to these riots, it was put clearly in men who have the opportunty to perspective by this film. see this film will join me in asking The film deals only with the Bro. Humphries, when he next technical aspects of firefighting writes to colleagues on the North during the riots which included American continent, to tell them snipers’ bullets and hurled that on seeing the film we were missiles, as well as direct incendi­ proud of our Los Angeles fire­ ary to fire appliances. Tolerance fighter brothers, and can assure W e are pleased to include on and non-participation in the issue them that the same spirit and the right two cartoons which of civil disobedience was shown understanding that a fireman’s job have originated from our recent is solely to help people in distress to an exemplary degree by our invitation to readers to send Los Angeles brothers, even to the is something we wholeheartedly extent that while being shot at they agree with. in their ideas or rough sketches. attempted the rescue of looters, Frank Williams Cartoon The one of the dummy was and, under armed guard protection, Birmingham Area Secretary drawn from a number of amusing ideas submitted by Corner Bro. F. O’Connell (Glasgow) FORUM gives readers an opportunity to express their views. (W e hope to use more of his Although not essential for publication, names and addresses of suggestions later) and the one contributors must be supplied before a letter can be published. of the pranged appliance came The letters do not necessarily represent the policy of the to us in the form of an outline Union, and the Editor reserves the right to curtail exceptionally sketch from Bro. Gus Goy. lengthy ones when shortage of space dictates.

“ Now this is our new dummy for live rescue drills”. H e’s agin the increase Drawn from an idea submitted by Bro. F. O’Connell of Glasgow. SO the Executive Council are pro­ down to basic facts of one duty posing at the Margate Conference system and one rate of pay for the to raise the contributions by 6d. fire service. per week after accepting 5i% wage Year after year, motions are increase. Very nice, Jack. carried at Annual Conference and After over 20 years’ membership, fall by the wayside. Such ano­ I shall be the first to cease mem­ malies would not be tolerated in bership should this proposition go other unions. Why should we? through. R. YOUNG With 18,000 members, a nice Hertfordshire £450 per week will be gained. What for? “To be used in the event Editor's Note: of requirements of mass public If the proposal for an increase activities.” (I quote from “Fire­ in contributions is accepted by fighter”.) Annual Conference, it will be by democratic decision based on I’m sure you will be only too merit and not, I hope, influenced pleased to have mass public acti­ in one way or the other by vities when the present government threats of resignation from the loses the next general election. It’s Union. a pity you didn’t have some during Bro. Young relates the pro­ the last couple of years to get the posed increase of 6d. which pay we deserve. is the equivalent of 20% to the You quite rightly state that Union’s acceptance of the recent prices of travel, telephones and 5¼% wage increase, but if this “Quick. Look up brigade orders on right of entry." postages have risen. I could add were to be the main criterion, it Drawn from a sketch submitted by Bro. Gus Goy. lots more, and I’m sure every mem­ is worth recalling that since the ber will agree that the 5¼% rise last increase in contributions in “A llo. Had a fire then, Harry?” was spoken for before we received 1962, the top basic rate of a fire­ it man has been increased by con­ I also see a record number of siderably more than 20% and we fire service in general seems to be fire service has been of some help motions for annual conference. Let all believe that a greater increase very bright: new machines and new to me. Union used witchcraft us forget 90% of them and get was more than justified. equipment have come in which I shall continue to keep contact seem to make the job more inter­ through the “Firefighter” and look esting than ever it has been. forward to hearing more news of claims employer To the many friends I made Ipswich (they are a good bunch of “swinging the lamp," but the during my service I wish the very lads there). A RECENT report from America IAM, the employer charged. Achievements young member of today does not best for the future. G. RUSSELL tells how the International Associ­ The company claimed that: “at always appreciate what the Union Incidentally, I wonder how many Suffolk ation of Machinists were accused exactly the minute that the not always has achieved in the past and what ex-AFS firemen are left in the of using witchcraft to obtain election began, a heavy rain it can do in the future. ranks. Am I among the last of this election victory at a Puerto Rico started to fall and the skies turned appreciated No chief officer can tell me now era? Union was his cigar factory in the mountain vil­ black; some employees felt terribly “I can only afford to give you two KENNETH LAZARUS lage of Hato Rey. ill while in the process of voting, Sub Officer I WOULD like to record my sin­ weeks’ annual leave,” or “I can mainstay in Under American law a ballot is but the illness disappeared after only afford to pay you £2 less than held at company level to decide they voted”; others reported that cere appreciation of the FBU’s 25 which Union shall represent the year badge which was presented to anybody else,” or “I will put you a short time after they left the time of need workers. me by Bill Peatie, Area Secretary on a ‘fizzer’ because you did not voting area the just didn’t know say good morning”. This is the Pension help The General Cigar Company which way they had voted. of Surrey, at a meeting on 27 TWO YEARS AGO I was the strength of the Union today and I brought claims of Union sorcery The Machinists’ members March. victim of a traffic accident, follow­ before the National Labour Rela­ I retire from Surrey Brigade in say a humble “thank you” for he will not greeted a reading of the charges ing which I had to undergo numer­ tion Board in an effort to upset the November after 30 years’ service. what the FBU have done and my “with great hilarity and derision.” ous operations and a very painful IAM election victory. The com­ During that time I have served best wishes for the battles that lie forget They told the NLRB they won period of recovery. pany was represented by Richard on committees at station, divisional fair and square. HARRY MORGAN Nixon’s New York law firm. and area level and recall the many DURING the first year of my My mainstay and comfort dur­ Not once, said Juan Maldonado, tussles we had with fire force com­ Reigate Training School retirement it has been interesting ing this period was the knowledge The cigar firm wanted the election set aside. It asked the IAM special representative, did he manders and DOs and the pleasure to read in “Firefighter” about our that my immediate and future in­ ride a broom from San Juan to terests were being competently and Labour Relations Board to hold we gained when a point was con­ brothers in other parts of the Hato Rey; he always drove a Ford! ceded. Time up for country and the good work the sympathetically looked after by hearings into mysterious goings-on. After Juan Maldonado had We have come a long way since FBU is performing. Union officials and our Legal For example, the company another ex-AFS I shall not forget the Union’s Department. charged that a female employee called on the company and its then, and I am proud that firemen lawyers to stop being ridiculous assistance at Ipswich in February, I would, therefore, like to thank, who was an IAM leader came to can now, by constitutional means, work one morning with a bottle and come to the bargaining table, discuss and debate conditions of fireman 1968, one month before my retire­ through the medium of “Fire­ containing a “magic potion which the Labour Board’s director in service, rates of pay, etc. with the ment which gave me much more fighter”, the Legal Section, the DURING the first week in April pension than I would have other­ would cast a spell on the employ­ Puerto Rico decided that the vic­ Home Secretary of the day. ABF Committee, and all the ees”. Smelling it or rubbing a bit tory for the IAM should stand. I retired from the Lindsey County wise got people who sympathised and I have not always agreed with on the forehead or neck would He overruled the company’s claims Fire Brigade after 31 years as an I am now employed as an X-ray assisted during this period. Union policy, but I would not be have the effect of “nullifying the that the IAM resorted to magic normal if I agreed to every pro­ operational fireman. porter at the local hospital and the I feel rather sad to have to leave knowledge of first aid which I D. BRABON will of the employees” to vote potions, the aid of which was in posal put before me. Reading in any other way than for the order to win the election. Please do not accuse me of at a time when the future of the gained during my 29 years in the APRIL, 1969 FIREFIGHTER 7 TO M HASTON our Legal and Pensions Officer takes a searching look at THE NEW SOCIAL SECURITY PLAN AND HOW IT MAY AFFECT US mum of about 1½ times national average (£4 10s. is the present flat-rate pension and “Until the terms of contracting out have earnings. £9 7s. is the new pension which would accrue been fixed and details become available At commencement, the total contribution on average earnings of £22 a week at full about the numbers involved it is not possible rate will be 6¾ per cent, of which 4¾ per cent maturity under the new scheme). to estimate what the effect will be.” will be for national superannuation and 2 per Beyond any shadow of doubt the terms and cent for social insurance benefits, industrial Other Provisions conditions of contracting out will be a crucial injuries and national health service. issue. The Government have clearly stated it National average earnings are presently set Proposed is their intention to enter into discussions with at £22 5s. a week. The ceiling currently (1½ To compensate in some measure for changes interested parties with a view to devising a times n.a.e.) will, therefore, be £33 a week and in general earnings and presumably living scheme of partial contracting-out for members earnings above that are not affected. In present standards the Government, by law, will be of occupational pension schemes. The Union terms, therefore, the total weekly contribution required to review rates of new scheme pen­ will take part in such discussions and indeed a I N a White Paper, “National Superannuation of a man (or woman) earning £16 10s. a week kite has already been flown on the Central and Social Insurance” the Government explain sions every two years. A similar review will be would be 22/3 as against the present total of made for flat-rate pensions of those already Fire Brigades Advisory Council. their proposals for earnings-related social 23s. The contribution for a person earning £22 security. Clearly, a great deal of careful thought retired by April, 1972. Whether the initial rate a week would be 29s. 8d., as against present of contributions will stay at that level is an has gone into the proposals and since our con­ 24s. 8d., and for a person earning £33 a week Levelling Up Or Down? open question. cern lies with the implications which are, or or more it will be 44s. 7d., as against present may be, contained in relation to the pension­ Married women who go out to work will While the Government’s proposals may be 25s. 5d. (These present rates which are quoted contribute according to earnings and earn bene­ able position of firemen, it behoves us to give include flat-rate plus graduated). welcomed because broadly they entail a better­ the proposals very careful thought and fits similar to men. ment for people who do not enjoy an occupa­ The freezing of occupational pensions is examination. tional pension, one cannot escape the feeling The Government proposes to replace the What Will You Get? likely, but whether there will be an option to that in the process of uplifting that section of present national insurance scheme by a new uplift rateable contributions is a matter to be the community there could develop a levelling scheme of national superannuation and social The new earnings-related pension will be determined. down of public service pension schemes. Does insurance, in which both contributions and calculated on the basis of 60 per cent of his paragraph 147 of the White Paper contain a benefits will be related to earnings. For most or her earnings up to half national average Effect On The Pension warning? It reads: people the new contributions will be higher earnings (this would mean about £11 a week “Schemes which give relatively high pension than the present ones. The flat-rate retirement at present levels) and 25 per cent of the re­ Scheme fractions and relate pensions to earnings in pension will go and be replaced by a pension mainder (up to a ceiling of about £33 a week). Clearly, the Government’s proposals will the few years before retirement are common related to the individuals’ personal record of For example, if average weekly earnings were raise the question of what will be the effect in both the private and public sectors and earnings and the national superannuation pen­ £25, 60 per cent of £11 gives £6 12s., and 25 upon our scheme since, of course, our scheme will pose a problem as State pensions build sion will never be lost, no matter how many per cent of £14 gives £3 10s., making a total is in effect an occupational pension scheme. up to the substantial levels to be provided times a person changes his job. Pensions will be pension of £10. 2s. on full maturity at 20 years. At this juncture it is just not possible to assess in the new scheme. Some re-alignment of reviewed at two yearly periods with a view to With average earnings of £33 a week the fully all the implications of the Government’s pro­ their terms may be necessary.” (The italics compensating for price rises. The target date mature pension would be £12 2s. a week. In posals and their effects—or possible effects— are mine). for the start of the scheme is April, 1972. the case of a married couple the pension would on our scheme. This is largely because in their What is implied by re-alignment? For years be at least £2 16s. higher (the wife’s flat-rate intentions in relation to occupational pension we have been complaining about the erosion Two Funds pension on her husband’s record). schemes the Government proposals are vague of injury benefits and widow’s special pensions and leave many questions unanswered. caused by successive increases in rates of Under the new scheme there will be two The Transitional Period First of all let us see what the Government national insurance benefits. Does re-alignment separate funds, a national superannuation fund say in relation to contracting out. Under the mean that not only will that erosion continue for pensions, widowhood benefits and death As explained above, full pension under the 1961 scheme there was a straight choice. We in relation to injury benefits and widow’s grant, and a social insurance fund for the new scheme will be built up over the first 20 had a right to go in completely or contract special pensions but that ordinary pension remaining benefits. years of the scheme. Pensions for people out completely. Apparently not so this time, values also will be eroded? Let us not overlook Contributors will, therefore, know what pro­ reaching pension age during the maturity because in their conclusion to a section of the the fact that already firemen’s pensions are portion of their contributions is for national period will be at intermediate rates, calculated Paper dealing with occupational pension subject to reduction on reaching the age of 65. superannuation and what goes for other by combining rights earned by contributions schemes we are told . . . The Firemen’s Pension Scheme, like the purposes. under the present scheme (flat-rate pensions) “The Government are confident that, given Police Pension Scheme, is more favourable in It will be 20 years before pensions are pay­ with rights earned under the new scheme. that all concerned are prepared to play their some respects than many other occupational able at the full amount. In the intervening years Those who reach pension age after the first part in resolving the evident difficulties, schemes. This arises not from reasons of phil­ payment will be at the rate of one twentieth year of the new scheme will get nineteen- fair and workable arrangements can be anthropy, but because of the dictates of the of the new pension for each year of employ­ twentieths of the present flat-rate, plus one- made for a system of partial contracting nature of the job. ment since April, 1972, together with the twentieth of the new scheme rate based on out etc.” At this early stage it is just not possible to present flat rate pension reduced by the same earnings since commencement of new scheme. Earlier paragraphs of the White Paper dwell assess the implications. We will require to ask number of twentieths. After the second year it will be eighteen- on the case for partial contracting out and a lot of questions and receive a lot of answers. twentieths and two-twentieths—and so on. For paragraph 138 deals tentatively with a scheme. Perhaps our early misgivings are unjustified. Contributions example take the case of a person who reaches In essence, the suggestion is that the contri­ Time will tell. The Executive Council will en­ pension age (60 for women, 65 for men) after bution paid by employees, and that part of the deavour to assess the situation, but meantime All employees within the PAYE system will the scheme has been running for 5 years. The employer’s contribution paid up to the it can be stated that if the Government’s pay a single type of contribution, collected calculation would be: employee’s “ceiling”, would be at a lower intention in the integration with the new state through that system. Women will contribute 15/20 of £4 10s. = £3 7s. 6d. percentage than for employees in general. As scheme is to level down or adversely amend on the same basis as men and earn similar plus 5/20 of £9 7s. = £2 6s. 9d. counterpart, there would be a deduction from the Firemen’s Pension Scheme then any such benefits. the retirement pension which the employee proposal will be strenuously opposed. This contribution will be a straight percent­ Total £5 14s. Od. would receive under the State scheme. In an The developing situation will be dealt with age of all earnings in each year up to a maxi­ appendix by the Government Actuary we find in further articles.

PHOTO LANCASHIRE’S PROGRESSIVE PROGRAMME CALL Union leaders tour training centre ON THURSDAY, 6 March, the WE NEVER seem to have sufficient five years service have been to the General Secretary, accompanied training centre for fire prevention photographs of members on our by the Vice-President, took the training. A station officer and files for possible use in “Firefighter” opportunity of visiting the Lan­ sub officer attend for a month’s when the need arises from time cashire County Fire Brigade Train­ course and leading firemen and to time. ing Centre at Chorley. firemen for a two weeks’ course on Met by the Chairman of the legislation, plan drawing, report This deficiency applies Fire Service Committee, Mr. B. writing and means of escape. particularly to photographs of Greenwood, and the Chief Fire Normal recruit training, BA Union officials whose names, Officer, Mr. P. H. Darby, they training and driving instructional naturally, occur quite frequently were given an insight into the courses are also conducted at the in our reports. modern, forward looking, training centre. programme of this large brigade. Lancashire County continues in So, if you have a sharp, its firm belief that the junior fire­ Lancashire County is one of the man scheme is a worth-while pro­ contrasting snapshot or two that first fire authorities to take all ject and a course of 30 juniors are y ou can spare we would be very operational firemen into the field currently undergoing their two p leased to have them, but please of fire prevention. This has meant year training at Chorley. remember to write your name and that all operational men with over Industrial courses, both at Union position, if any, in pencil management and shop-floor level on the backs and send them to are an increasing feature at the ● PHOTO: The General Secretary centre; this is surely on the right o ur editorial production office — and the Vice President, Bro. Ray Ediprint Ltd, 25 Holborn Viaduct, Kilburn, with Lancashire’s Chief line. London, E.C. 1. Fire Officer (centre), take a look It is the intention of Lancashire at the list of courses held at the County to greatly expand and training centre and the distant modernise the centre given govern­ homes of some of the past students. ment approval. 8 FIREFIGHTER APRIL, 1969 MOTORWAY MADMAN Independent inquiry for CLAIMS A VALUED London RETAINED MEMBER IN TRIBUTE TO BRO. HARRY SABIN, a retained STEPHEN SWINGLER leading fireman from Long Buck- brigade by, Northamptonshire, died on 1 December, 1968, from the serious By JIM STRACEY, injuries he received whilst on a Brigade Committee Secretary “Special Service” call to the M.l The Union motorway. FOLLOWING the rejection of their claim for an under-manning allowance, the London membership considered, among other On 22 November a water tender forms of action they could take, to refuse to ride undermanned was despatched from Long Buckby has lost retained station to the service area appliances. of the Blue Boar on the motorway Against the background of this to wash down petrol spillage. serious situation, discussions DISTRICT 14 a dear Whilst there the crew were re­ HARRY SABIN: Another special between the GLC and the Union directed to a multiple accident service victim. were re-opened OUSTS THE near the M.45 junction on the After several meetings, during Northbound fast lane. HOOK LADDERS friend which the brigade committee Barratt’s Photo Press On arrival, it was found not to woman had been slightly injured. IT IS with some pleasure I Harry, an experienced fireman had again to emphasise the be as serious as first expected. membership’s rejection of the can now report the abolition on motorway work, had taken the of hook ladders in No. 14 The attendance of brigade per­ £50 productivity deal offer, the WHEN Stephen Swingler died the student days, worked devotedly in normal precautions and was, of District. Government lost one of its most sonnel was not urgently required, GLC, the brigade committee and The District Committee have the FBU Head Office throughout but they did assist the police for a course, wearing safety clothing. able Ministers, and the Labour While giving first aid treatment a NAFO agreed that an in- reached agreement with the blitz in London and was one short period. Movement lost an untiring and of those enthusiastic staff members car travelling in the centre lane pendent board of enquiry should Gloucester and Devon fire authorities for the withdrawal vigorous champion of radical who helped to launch and run the Meanwhile Bro. Sabin took the suddenly crossed over to the fast be set up with the following first aid box from the water tender of the hook ladders. causes. famous Firemen's Charter. lane where Harry was working, terms of reference:— Might I say, ‘Well done’ on We, in the FBU, have lost an old and returned on foot to another and crashed into him. Harry was When Captain Stephen Swingler 1. To review the present state of behalf of my district to the and very dear friend. came back from the Tank Corps accident they had passed three- taken to Northampton General committee officials concerned quarters of a mile back where a industrial relations within the The Rt. Hon. Stephen Swingler after the war, she threw herself Hospital where he later died. in the respective areas for PC, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, London Fire Brigade and to their efforts in achieving the with whole-hearted enthusiasm into This is a most sad loss for all recommend any measures which withdrawal of this type of was, in a political sense, young as his first general election compaign. members in Northamptonshire. should be taken to improve ladder. Ministers go, but he was old in For nearly a quarter of a century Harry, only 29 years of age, was a these relations. R. MILES. working-class experience. theirs was a very special partner­ strong FBU member, and will be 2. To review the course of the ne­ No. 14 District. As Barbara Castle’s junior, he ship in politics. long remembered by all of his gotiations which have taken steered the monumental Transport Liverpool’s colleagues for the way he was will­ place between the GLC. FBU Bill through the House of Com­ ing to give a helping hand to and NAFO on the claim by the some 18 months ago, he resigned mons night after night. Tough life others. He leaves a widow and FBU and NAFO for an under­ from the Prices and Incomes His record of adjournment de­ clearway two small children aged 1 and 3. manning allowance of £2 per Board.) bates was phenomenal. He had 39 His was a tough life. Down with The matter was immediately week to be paid to all uni­ Written submissions by the GLC, alone in 64/5 session when Labour severe bronchitis during the Christ­ referred to the Executive Council, formed members of the London the London Brigade Committee and had a tiny majority. mas recess he came back to full system for who in turn put the matter in the Fire Brigade with a view to NAFO were supplemented orally ministerial duties. A week or two very capable hands of our solici­ promoting a settlement. at the initial hearing of the board later, while visiting his constituency tors. 3. To report the matters covered on 31 March. Special quality in the snows of February, his over­ brigade by 1 and 2 above. The Union’s team comprised taxed strength gave out. It was jointly agreed that the Executive Councillors Ken Head, No Minister could work harder. Stephen’s lean figure and slightly LIVERPOOL Corporation have Prompt payment chairman of the board should be Norman Hickford and Ron Als- But he had a special quality as a sardonic smile is now missing at installed a computer costing one Sir William Webber. Industrial ford; Bro. Peter Smith, officers’ Minister. He was always ready to Westminster. So is his confidence and a quarter million pounds to Thanks must go to the AIB Relations Officer, National Coal representative, and Bro. Jim meet and talk with back-benchers and his warmth and comradeship. direct and control traffic entering Fund management and to Bro. Board. (Sir William Webber was Stracey. Secretary of the London despite the immense administrative The Government and the move­ and leaving the Haymarket en­ Haston for the prompt payment formerly general secretary of the Brigade Committee. (Bro. P. burdens he carried. It was this ment is the poorer. trance to the Mersey Tunnel. The of £1.000 under rule 30b 6(iv). Transport Salaried Staffs Associa­ (Dusty) Miller, Chairman of the devotion which, I am sure, helped John Ellis MP, his PPS while at City Fire Brigade are programmed The fire authority are seeking tion and was a member of the committee, has been “off the run” to hasten his death. the Ministry of Transport and who in to the computer for the purpose through the Home Office to obtain General Council of the TUC for for some time, but happily he is Chairman of the left-wing followed him to Social Security, of getting a clear run through the the highest possible pension award many years.) now well on the road to full re­ “Victory for Socialism” movement was recently asked if he wished to network of traffic lights in the to the widow. Mr. John Rhodes. Personnel covery.) in the days of opposition, he was serve another Minister as PPS. one of these who was able to keep “Find me another Stephen square mile or so in the tunnel Special thanks must go to Bro. Officer, Imperial Chemical Indus­ At the time of this report, the entrance of the city centre. tries. was appointed by the GLC board of inquiry was conducting a his old friends while a member of Swingler”, he said. Jack Wright, a retained member the Government. The General Secretary, Bro. at Long Buckby, who is the col­ as their representative, and Mr. number of on-the-spot visits to JOHN HORNER Robert Willis, retired general sec­ His association with our Union Terry Parry, recently visited Liver­ lector-cum-secretary. various sections of the London Fire retary of the National Graphical Brigade and there is. of course, the goes back a quarter of a century. pool and together with the Execu­ Through Jack's vigilance it has For years he was a regular lecturer tive Council member, Bro. W. Association, was chosen to repre­ possibility that they will call for been possible to obtain informa­ sent the Union and the NAFO in further oral evidence before they at our regional and national Barber and the district officials, tion at any time of day. He has make recommendations to the GLC schools. was shown first hand all the bene­ London. (Mr. Willis is a former been ever willing to put himself and the Union on either part of The FBU has a particular debt to Northants member fits to the fire service of the “Green member of the TUC General about to help area officials, and Council and it will be recalled that their terms of reference. Stephen Swingler. In 1951, in the Way” system. without this help it would have Union’s most difficult days when, regains seat Mr. Frank Taylor, Chief Officer meant travelling many hundred under a wave of dismissals, fines of Liverpool, explained the con­ miles, and many nights would and demotions, Union members trol room where closed circuit have been spent collecting the in­ London weighting allowances go up were being penalised for their part for Labour television watches over the whole formation required. in the demonstrations for police route. THE National Joint Council, as a consequence of Prices parity, it was Stephen Swingler who This sad incident is yet further led the counter-attack in the House proof why every retained member and Incomes Board Report No. 44 on London weighting allowances, have agreed an increase in the allowance for of Commons. should be a member of the FBU. It was he who organised the Computer and TV They owe this to their families. the fire service from £77 to £90 per annum and con­ Parliamentary support, who tabled sequently an increase in the metropolitan allowance from the various questions to the Home E. A. COLEMAN £50 to £63 per annum. Secretary, Maxwell-Fyffe and fin­ The control room is manned by Area Secretary Liverpool City Transport Depart­ The increase is back-dated to 1 October, 1968. ally forced him to appeal to the ment. The fire brigade, on turn­ fire authorities to call off their ing the appliance out, inform the victimisation campaign against our traffic control which route they members. wish to be made available—(A to We needed allies in those grim J routes)—a switch is made and Rank and file voice at TU C conference days when we were under the com­ the computer takes over and bined onslaught of local authorities changes all the traffic lights to and the Tory Government, and in Stephen Swingler and the group of green in sequence along the route Victory smile from Fred Coleman of the fire appliance which at all Labour MP’s he organised, we times is watched through closed found firm friends. circuit television. THE Northamptonshire Area The General Secretary had a go Educational role Chairman, Bro. Fred Coleman, at manning the television camera has successfully regained a seat on controls but clearly he was out the Kettering Borough Council for He was one of a number of re­ Labour. This seat was previously of operational practice, because markable Staffordshire MP's — not only did he lose the fire appli­ held by the Liberals. The result: Barnet Stross, Ellis Smith. Harriet Brown (Lib.) 477; Coleman (Lab.) ance on the monitor, but he lost Slater, all for Stoke-on-Trent, and the Mersey Tunnel: 518, a majority of 41. his very special friend and crony, This is a fine achievement, not The Green Way system can be Harold Davies for the Leek Divi­ only for this area but for the labour no answer to the general question sion, now the Prime Minister’s movement as a whole, considering of firemen drivers and traffic, its PPS. With these colleagues he the present political climate. cost is quite out of the question, played a most effective part in de­ I, for one, would like to thank but where such remote traffic con- veloping working class and trade all our helpers for the very hard rolled arrangements are installed union education in the North Mid­ work they put in. Special thanks then just as in Liverpool the fire lands. must, however, go to “Mrs. Fred" service should be programmed in The Worker’s Education Associa­ for the many long hours shehas to the arrangements. tion in which he played such a part spent on this campaign. Without helped to produce the present gen­ her support and co-operation this eration of labour and trade union victory would have been more Published by the Fire Brigades Photo: Morning Star Union. Bradley House. 59 Fulham leaders among, whom our present difficult. High Street, London, S.W.6. W HILE the delegates inside the Fairfield Hall, General Secretary (who. on leaving conference of Union executives, but many unions, I am sure that all members will Editorial services by Ediprint Ltd. Croydon, were discussing the TUC Economic the Navy after the war. settled in wish with me every success to Bro (TUI 25 Holborn Viaduct, London, Survey for 1969, a mass lobby of trade unionists like our own are more than sceptical of the Stoke-on-Trent) is an outstanding E.C.I. relevancy of the TUC vetting machinery and the Fred in his post as borough from all over Britain were protesting outside against example. Printed by Christchurch Times Ltd. the anti-trade-union proposals in the Government’s incomes policy section. All the more so since the councillor. (TU all depts.) 6-8 Bridge Street. pay increases for the chairman of nationalised boards His wife, Anne, a good socialist TED COLEMAN Christchurch, Hants White Paper — “In Place of Strife”. The Economic Survey was carried by the were announced who married him shortly after their Area Secretary, Northants