Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council: Minutes and Papers

HO 363

1947-1971

Minutes and papers of the Council which was empowered by the Fire Services Act 1947 to advise the Home Secretary on all matters relating to the fire service, except fire fighters' conditions of service.

Public Record(s)

English

16 file(s)

Open

The Fire Services Act 1947 transferred fire fighting functions from the National Fire Service to fire brigades maintained by the councils of counties and county boroughs.

Section 29 of the Act required the Secretary of State of the Home Department to constitute a Council to be called the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council. The Council was to consist of a chairman appointed by the Secretary of State and of persons "representing the interests of fire authorities and of persons employed as members of fire brigades" and in addition the Secretary of State could, if necessary, appoint as members of the Council, "either generally or for the consideration of any particular matter, such other persons appearing to him to have special qualifications as he may determine".

The procedure, including the quorum, of the Council was to be determined by the Council itself, subject to any directions of the Secretary of State. A conference was held on 19 September 1947 to discuss the constitution of the Council (HO 363/1). At this the Secretary of State James Chuter Ede MP outlined the functions of the Council which were wholly advisory. He was required by the 1947 Act to consult the Council in specific matters and the Council was empowered to advise him in all matters pertaining to the new Fire Service, with the exception of conditions of service which were to be determined by special negotiating machinery. There was a separate Council for Scotland though both Councils were to liaise.

"The Council", said the Secretary of State at the 44th meeting in 1968, "provided the ground on which all interests, the unions, the local authority associations and the Home Office, could get together to discuss the efficiency and welfare of the service".

The Council's composition has altered over the years. There are presently seven Standing Committees covering appliances, equipment and uniform; communications; operations; pensions; fire prevention; fire research; training; and planning. There are also two Sub Committees on planning/legislation and information.

Membership is drawn primarily from Home Office staff, local authority associations and bodies representing members of fire brigades together with other suitably qualified persons appointed by the Home Secretary. Appointments are for one year and reviewed annually. Current members are drawn from the Home Office; Association of County Councils; Association of Metropolitan Authorities; Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association; National Association of Fire Officers; Fire Brigades Union; Chief Fire Officer, London; Director of the Fire Research Establishment; and the Institution of Fire Engineers.