§ 32. Mr. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases his inspectors have reported 744 that fire authorities are forbidding the holding of trade union meetings on fire brigade premises; and what action he will take on these reports.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeThe reports of Her Majesty's inspectors have not mentioned any such cases, and accordingly the second part of the Question does not arise.
§ Mr. de FreitasIs it not a fact that most fire authorities have allowed this for many years to everyone's satisfaction, and if I can give the right hon. and learned Gentleman examples of cases where fire authorities have taken it upon themselves to ban the use of fire brigade premises for union meetings will he see what can be done about it?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeThe hon. Gentleman, from his own experience at the Home Office, will appreciate the position of the Home Secretary in these matters. He can only act when it is a matter likely to affect the efficiency of the fire brigade. But if the hon. Gentleman thinks that there are any steps which I can take informally to improve the position, I shall be very glad to consider them.