§ 20. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the result of his discussions with the Fire Brigades Union on the present two-man hook-ladder drill.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI am making further inquiries and, when I have completed them, I propose to invite the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council, constituted under Section 29 of the Fire Services Act, 1947, to advise me on the general question of the use of hook-ladders in the Fire Service.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the Home Secretary aware that, in the opinion of the Fire Brigades Union and a growing number of chief officers, this drill is unnecessary and dangerous, and that on more than one occasion it has led to loss of life? Will he expedite a decision in this matter and end what appears to be a quite unnecessary drill at the earliest possible moment?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeThat is the purpose of the meeting I have called to be held in July.