The Suffolk Hyde Affair - Doc 138 Sproughton Resident

Lowestoft Fire station
PO Box 54
Lowestoft
NR 32 2QA
Tel 01502 403842

24-04-99

Dear ACFO Seager,

In response to the papers served to me by DO Middleton at County Hall 13th April.
Notwithstanding, your refusal to provide further particulars when requested by letter 6th march 1999 and during the interview 23rd March 1999 from which 6 pages of notes were made, the papers served 13th April 1999 do to a limited extent enable me to provide more informed answers to the questions posed by DO Smith on 23rd March 1999. Indeed, this is the first opportunity you provide me to do so.
My response, to the relevant questions are set out below;

GS
When were you first aware that the temporary promotion arrangements on your watch were being reconsidered.

MH
Early December when I was informed by FF D Kemp that he was approached to take over my role, to which I was never consulted by T/ADO Saward.

GS
At a meeting on 19/01/99 between yourself and ADO saward were you abusive in your responses to Mr Saward.

MH
No. At all times during my meetings with T/ADO Saward the dialogue from myself has been conducted in a business like and mild measured manner.

GS
At the same meeting did you say words to the effect of, ‘ You have picked on the wrong one and had better be careful because you would come after him and win?’

MH
No. Those words have not been used in any meeting between myself and T/ADO saward, nor have any which would have similar effect.

GS
Did you receive a memo from ADO Saward, dated 20/01/99, instructing you to revert to the rank of Ff effective 01/01/99.

MH
I have received a memo so dated from T/ADO Sawrd on 25/01/99 which I cannot agree is a true version of preceding events to which it refers.

GS
Did you revert to the rank of Ff on 01/02/99.

MH
I was not on duty on 01/02/99. I also remind you I had submitted a grievance 29/01/99 and direct you to the status quo provision page 4 step 12 and 4.4 page 8.

GS
Did you revert to the rank of Ff on 04/02/99.

MH
If I might refer you to my response to question 5 above.

GS
Did you seek advice on this issue and replace your rank markings on either the 4th or 5th February 1999.

MH
I am well aware of my rights contained within my contract to submit a grievance and the status quo it confers. My advice is contained in page 4 step 12 and 4.4 page 8 of the relevant procedure. This was confirmed by Brigade union officials.

GS
Have you at any time received advice to disobey the written order, dated 21/01/99 from ADO Saward to yourself.

MH
I have absolutely no recollection or record of any order issued to me by T/ADO Saward on the date to which you refer.

I take it that the responses I give in good faith will provide some clarification of the matters in dispute. At the same time I advise you that I do not accept that the contents of many of the documents served on 13th april represent a true record, to which I will expand in good time. However, as a logical starting point and first instance I ask you to supply corroborating evidence for document 1, note for file. More importantly I also ask you to supply the name of the complainant from which this prosecution stems, together with the initiating report.

Yours faithfully

M Hyde