Save our services before it's too late
by John Stevenson, SiU editorHundreds of UNISON members demonstrated last week in a major campaign to save jobs and services.
Local government was the focus on 2 March and 5 March, then joining with Health against PFI on 6 March (see below). It was the same depressing story around the country as councils set budgets on 5 March, trying to cope with massive underfunding.Edinburgh 600 Jobs
In Edinburgh, hundreds of members packed the city chambers quadrangle protesting at cuts of £27 million that will stop hot school meals, slash recreation services, take £0.5 million out of the voluntary sector and bring 600 redundancies."The council said it would protect front-line Education services, but it has failed. Hot school meals is a front line service", service conditions convenor John Mulgrew told councillors.
And outside the meeting, Morag Stevenson, joint Edinburgh branch secretary told members "The council is taking hot meals away from 17,000 children and sacking some of its most dedicated employees". 2,000 jobs have been lost since reorganisation.
Glasgow 700 jobs
Cuts of £32 million and 800 jobs, with 4,000 lost since reorganisation, faced Glasgow City UNISON members as they lobbied the council meeting. A huge restructuring and increased home help charges will follow."We will fight compulsory redundancies", said service conditions officer Ronnie Shankland, "but we will also fight to defend our members from the stresses these job cuts have put them under".
Stirling 100 jobs
Stirling UNISON packed 100 members into the council budget meeting to protest at cuts of £4.5 million with 100 jobs to go - 28 of them compulsory.
"The council have been intransigent about compulsory redundancies. There have been no meaningful talks with the union to mitigate the cuts or come up with future structures that would be more sustainable", branch secretary Margaret Innes told SiU.
As well as mounting a campaign with the public, Margaret also warned, "We intend to ballot against compulsory redundancies and a range of other actions are planned".Aberdeen conditions threat
In Aberdeen City demonstrators slammed cuts that will send homes for older people out to the 'alternative sector' and threaten to cut conditions for hundreds of staff in libraries and arts and recreation.
"We are likely to find ourselves in dispute with the council if shift allowances are cut. We do not rule out industrial action", said branch secretary Gill Thackray.
The branch hopes to persuade the council to keep the residential home jobs in house but is seriously concerned that jobs may be lost despite a no-redundancy pledge.DUNDEE cut £3.7 million and has taken 0.5% off its budget for this year's pay settlement as well as increasing school meal charges.
"Local government cannot survive with cuts like this year after year. It is making it impossible for our members to provide services to the public", said Mary Crichton, Dundee UNISON branch secretary.EAST LOTHIAN faced a £4.5 million cut but the council managed to avoid redundancies.
Said branch secretary Yvonne Craig, "It could have been worse. The Tories wanted to cut the voluntary sector, end free travel for pupils and they wanted a review of concessionary travel for older people".Douglas Black, chair of UNISON's Scottish Local Government Committee slammed cuts and redundancies as 'unnecessary'.
"Our members know there is no bottomless pit of finance. But they cannot understand why this government should wreck our services. It must act now to stop the damage"
*
Vote sends warning on private finance initiative
"Don't let the low paid carry the risk"
By Chris Bartter, from the Scottish Labour Party ConferenceA UNISON sponsored motion against the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) was only beaten by a whisker at last week's Labour Party Conference.
The composite went to a very close card vote but was finally lost as the votes from the T&G and GMB unions were cast against the UNISON position.
Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary was not despondent.
"We have been saying for some time that the profile of the debate on PFI needs to be raised", said Matt. "I think the closeness of the vote makes it clear that this issue is now well and truly in the public eye".Earlier, a representative lobby of UNISON members from health and local government branches made sure delegates and the media got the message that PFI was an attack on the jobs and services they provide. Decked out in "No to PFI" t-shirts, the 50 lobbyists braved the biting Perth wind, while inside Matt Smith made a powerful speech calling for the government to think again.
"Don't let those who need protection most become pawns in a game of high finance", Matt warned. "Try to understand the frustration of those who have waited so long for the victory of last May only to find they are again on the losing side".
The people who would carry the risk and pay the price of PFI would be those subjected to compulsory tendering for years, those on the lowest pay scales, those who voted for a Labour Government.Moving the composite against PFI, Matt also spelt out the alternatives. He called for removal of capital expenditure from the Public Sector Borrowing Requirement, and for it to be treated as investment - the way it is treated in most European countries.
He also praised the Secretary of State for rejecting the PFI road for Aberdeen Sick Childrens Hospital.
*
Need to raise PFI debate
Alf Young, Deputy Editor of The Herald newspaper, told a UNISON conference on the PFI that he had been disappointed in the lack of coverage of the topic in the media.
Pointing out that, despite at least two major articles on the topic in The Herald, little or no response had been forthcoming, leaving the debate to those politicians who adopted the "its this or nothing" argument.
He gave the example of a public meeting on the new (PFI funded) Balfron High School where no-one had raised the issue of the funding - or how much it would ultimately cost the council tax payer.
He urged delegates to begin a campaign to bring the costs - often hidden under the cloak of 'commercial confidentiality' out into the open.
Also speaking at the conference was Margie Jaffe, of the Public Services Privatisation Research Unit, who outlined the alternatives for funding public sector capital projects.
She pointed towards the European model of General Government Finance Deficit (GGFD) rather than the Public Sector Borrowing Requirement (PSBR) used in Britain, as a way round the Government's policy of not increasing public debt. This is a position adopted by UNISON Scottish Council last month.
In workshops later, the 70 plus delegates discussed a number of ways of bringing the arguments against the PFI into the public arena, and to UNISON members. These included letters to the papers, workshops for branch executives, and lobbying of MP's.
James Urquhart, (Scottish healthcare branch) - who chaired the final session - stressed the need to raise the debate.
*
NHS 50th Conference hears of PFI beds risk
The campaign against PFI in the health service in Scotland moved up a gear in February with a major conference in Edinburgh run with the British Medical Association.
Over 150 delegates from unions, the medical profession, and community groups crammed into Edinburgh City Chambers to hear Dr Matthew Dunnigan, author of a report criticising Lothian Health Board's acute services strategy, say that the PFI proposals for funding Edinburgh's new Royal Infirmary would add to the crisis of acute beds in the Lothians.
Taking on Lothian Health Board's chief executive, Trevor Jones, Dr Dunnigan said that his report showed that the board's departure from standard estimating procedures would have to lead to a massive increase in patient throughput and increase the stress on staff.He suspected that this was at least in part due to the new PFI contract and the need for the private consortium to achieve its return.
The Conference was arranged as one of UNISON's events to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the NHS. John Lambie, UNISON's Scottish Head of Health, said,
"We must use all methods available to us to highlight the cost that this expensive method of providing much-needed public services will mean, both to the taxpayer who will have to pay more for their hospitals, and to health service staff who's conditions will be at risk, and whose jobs will be under increasing strain. All to get a return for the private contractors."
*
UNISON's Matt Smith appointed to local government commission
Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary will have a better than usual chance to put forward the union's view of the need for 'democratically accountable local services provided by properly resourced in-house staff' in the new Scotland, writes Chris Bartter.
The Secretary of State for Scotland has appointed him to sit on the Independent Commission on Local Government.
This body is remitted to report to the new Scottish Parliament on it's relationship with local government, and to ensure the White Paper ideal of building 'the most effective relations between the Scottish Parliament and a strong and effective local government.'There have been criticisms that the body does not include finance within its specified remit, but Matt is clear that this issue will need to be addressed.
"I don't think anyone can be under any illusion that the problems affecting local government can be divorced from its financial plight." He said,
"Whilst that is not explicit in the remit, it is certainly implicit - at least in the approach of a number of the members of the Commission."
Members of the Commission will be visiting all Scotland's local authorities and talking to elected members, officials and local unions. So local UNISON branches should be beginning to work out what they will be putting across to them to back up UNISON policy.
The Commission is chaired by Neil McIntosh, ex Chief Executive of Strathclyde Region and Dumfries and Galloway Region, Chair of the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations, and most famous for his imperturbable returning officer on Referendum night.
Matt is the only union representative on the Commission, reflecting UNISON's position as Scotland's major local government trade union.
*
Branch supports member - the chief exec
by John CorcoranWest Dunbartonshire UNISON has stepped in to support one of their members. Nothing unusual about that, except that he is the council's chief executive.
As widely reported in the press, there have been serious allegations that the chief executive was the victim of bullying, and about the conduct of two senior Labour councillors in the matter.
"UNISON has a firm stance against bullying that must apply whether the alleged victim is a cleaner or a chief executive", said Denise McLafferty, West Dunbartonshire branch secretary.
As a result of a letter, outlining the concerns to Provost Patrick O'Neill, the controlling Labour group moved to have the allegations investigated by a suitably qualified person or persons to be appointed by COSLA.
UNISON branch officers stepped in to register serious concerns about COSLA involvement in the affair, particularly if the outcome of the investigation were to result in disciplinary measures against any UNISON member.
The branch view is that any appeals against possible disciplinary measures could be seriously compromised due to the dual role of COSLA in the investigation and in the appeals process.
UNISON's objections, while noted, were dismissed by COSLA and the investigatory team were appointed.The investigation was due to start on 10th March, however, a report produced by a senior legal officer of the council has challenged the procedures. The main flaw appears to be that the procedures may not comply with the nationally agreed grievance procedures for chief officers.
The concern is that, if COSLA's procedures were followed then this could lead to a breach of natural justice. SiU understands that West Dunbartonshire Council will be asked by its legal officer to instruct the investigation team to amend its procedures accordingly.
*
"PFI tax" role in water charge rises
UNISON has blamed part of increased water charges on the use of the private finance initiative and accuses the government of introducing a "Scottish PFI tax"
Jim Waller, secretary of UNISON's Scottish Water Committee said,
"The continued use of PFI is partly responsible for this increase. PFI has proved to be enormously expensive compared to ordinary government borrowing and some of the alternatives used in Europe."Scottish water customers are paying a PFI tax and this will increase as the number of PFI contracts increase in Scotland's water service".
"Additionally, information was before the Secretary of State showing that the investment plans won't be achieved in 1998/99. That means the customer is paying before they need to".
*
Five reasons why it's the private finance illusion
Campaign for welfare state
UNISON has called for a broad, non-sectarian, campaign with STUC in defense of the welfare state.
The move follows a successful "Welfare to Work" conference last month.Proposing the plan, Edinburgh Healthcare's Mick McGahey said,
"Our ultimate aim must be to change government policy and for that you need a strategy. You don't succeed by just having a couple of rallies and walking away"."Working people need to fight through their organisations, and for us that is the STUC"
*
Benefits for disabled people must not be stigmatised
by John Stevenson, SiU editorScottish UNISON branches have backed a call for a campaign against cuts in disabled peoples' benefits.
"Benefits must not be stigmatised", Nigel Pimm of the Scottish Disabled Members Committee told a meeting of branches last month."It has been shown time after time that when benefits are stigmatised, it affects the level of take-up".
One of the factors which puts people off claiming are implications that fraudulent claims are rife.
"But out of 55,000 people targeted by the government for 'integrity' checks, not one was found to be defrauding", Nigel told delegates.And Nigel rounded on plans to tax benefits.
"These benefits are essential for life, for employment and for transport. Why not tax those who can afford it like those on over £40,000. Should they not look at the level of corporation tax, one of the lowest around, instead of taxing essential benefits?"
UNISON will now push for a campaign against benefit cuts through the STUC and the Affiliated Political Fund.
*
UNISON tackles MPs in 'piece-full' protest
Members from around Scotland lobbied MPs against local government cuts. at the Scottish Grand Committee in Edinburgh on 2 March
They gave MPs cold 'pieces' (with their names on them "in case they lost them"), as a symbol of the loss of hot school meals in Edinburgh, just one example of cuts councils would be making.
The lobby resulted from a Scottish Council move the week before.
"We know the cuts arise from the scorched earth policy of the Tories", Edinburgh's John Stevenson told delegates. "Our members even partly understand why there was a two year commitment to the last government's cuts"."But they do not understand why the government wants to weaken local councils, why we are heading back to the old 'cosy deal' days of a few councillors and officials handing contracts out to private business".
"We do not understand why you want to condone tax avoidance by setting up trusts, or why it is only now, under the new government, that we are facing compulsory redundancies", he added.
If MPs want local councils to have an important strategic role, if they want cheaper, more efficient services and if they want to include the public, they would have to throw a lifeline to local government.
Mark Irvine, UNISON Scotland head of local government, called for immediate help to take the pressure off councils.
"With the extra funds the Chancellor apparently has in the coffers, there is no reason to keep tightening the screws on local government".
*
West Lothian strike keeps jobs in-house
A three week strike by West Lothian leisure and recreation workers has ended with an agreement to keep jobs in-house along with no compulsory redundancies, writes John Stevenson.
The 60 members were striking against plans to put sports centres and swimming pools out to an arms-length trust.
The deal hinges on Customs and Excise granting a VAT exemption. If it does the staff will be able to opt back into direct council employment."If it doesn't, then the mood is still very strongly for action", said branch secretary Derek Catto.
"Our members were first to stand firm in a fight that will face workers all over Scotland in the coming months and years", added Derek.
The branch still needs contributions to help make up the members' lost wages. Send them to:
UNISON West Lothian Branch, Suite 2,
West Lothian House, Almondvale' Livingston.- If anyone is in any doubt about the dangers of trusts, just look at Edinburgh where catering jobs were forced out to a non-union employer, despite an exemption from tendering!
Councillors and officials professed they were powerless to do anything about it.
*
Dealing with harassment in the union
Scotland wins support from Womens Conference for better proceduresScottish Region's call to tighten up procedures on disciplinary action won overwhelming support from National Women's Conference.
Moving the motion, Christine Russell, regional delegate, applauded the actions of the NEC in expelling a steward from the City of Edinburgh branch, and requiring another to face the charges should he try to rejoin, after claims of harassment were brought and upheld. Christine spoke of the victims' forced silence due to court actions being brought by the harassers.
Morag Stevenson, City of Edinburgh, said "There can be nothing worse than, having worked with people that you trusted, ending up being harassed by them, being frightened by them, and being frightened for colleagues. It was all the harder to cope with due to the long, long wait for justice, and all that time not being able to speak out about what had happened. We cannot let it be ten months the next time."
The motion looks to ensure that principles applied to harassment in the workplace are applied in the union and calls for speedier procedures, and guidelines on behaviour expected.
*
Women working jointly to tackle harassment
The Scottish Women's Committee and the Health and Safety Committee have jointly produced a 'credit card' which details some simple rules for members dealing with harassment.
Produced as part of the Risk Assessment Campaign, run by the Health and Safety Committee, the card tells members not to bottle up any harassment, but to tell the UNISON steward and branch who can then raise the matter and get it sorted.
The cards are available from Jim Waller in the Belford Road, Edinburgh office and will shortly be sent out to branches for distribution.
Glasgow hospital kitchen first on hit list
UNISON has slammed the decision of Glasgow's Western Hospitals NHS Trust to close the kitchen of Blawarthill Hospital in Yoker.
Following hard on its revelation of a leaked report drawn up by NHS chief executives, which proposed cutting out the midday hot meals and centralising food preparation, the union sees this as the first example of this run down of catering services.
John Lambie, UNISON Scotland's head of health said, "As we predicted earlier this week, the leaked report was looking to run down food preparation in individual hospitals."Blawarthill is the first on the hit list. It is scandalous that the first to suffer will be the frail elderly. The substitution of meals ferried in from the Western is not adequate. It will mean less choice and cold meals".
UNISON is also concerned about public health implications of extending the use of microwave meals and cook/chill preparation which requires food to be reheated.
*
Energy regulation comes under public scrutiny
Scotland's utility branches are to host two major conferences this year looking at the way their services are regulated and the effects on the consumer.
A joint conference with the Right to Warmth campaign on fuel poverty is planned for May, to coincide with the start of their project to investigate the effects of the opening up of the gas and electricity market in Scotland.
A Scottish industry conference on regulation is also on the cards.
*
Observe the National Womens Committee in Glasgow
The National Women's Committee is to hold its next meeting in Glasgow on 27/28 March and the Scottish Womens Committee hope to hold a small reception.
The meeting is also open to women members who wish to attend as observers. If you would like to do so, contact Eileen Dinning, Scottish Womens Officer on 1041 332 0006 or Rosalie Ward at the Equalities Unit on 0181 854 2244.
*
Scotland in UNISON launches into cyberspace
Scotland in UNISON has edged into the slow lane of the information super-highway with a temporary web page pending the arrival of a Scottish Council website
You will find all the stories of the most recent edition, other links and ocassionally some exclusive cybernews.
The page is designed to be viewed at 800x600 with Netscape Navigator, using its frames capability. Other browsers will be fine if they can display frames.If your browser cannot display frames, you can still see us using the alternative address but it won't be as much fun.
- For UNISON newssheet editors, it is worth remembering that you can copy and paste stories for use in your own local magazines. For non-UNISON members, we can discuss a fee.
Find us at: http://www.unison-edinburgh.org.uk/siu.html
If your browser doesn't display frames, go to /siun.html
*
Kirkcaldy club brings nu members
GROOVEMENT is the newest club on the Fife scene, thanks to UNISON.
Described as "two rooms of the nu house sound of the UK underground", the club was born from a partnership between Fife UNISON, the Abbotshall Hotel and DJs "Purveyors of Pleasure". In probably the most innovative recruitment drive yet seen, Fife UNISON set up the project to:
- have reduced entry prices for UNISON members
- promote UNISON and the services and benefits the union brings.And it seems to be working with people under 26 making up 80% of the new members joining since the January launch.
"Promotion has focused on the recruitment of young people into the trade union and has proved to be very successful", said Fife UNISON's Rob Brown."We have put promotional materials in outlets frequented by young people such as hair salons, clothes fashion shops and music retailers", adds Rob.
Media interest has been keen with local front page press reports, local radio spots and a story in UNISONfocus the national activists bulletin.
Fife's recruitment campaign is in line with the TUC's "new unionism" initiative aimed at union recruitment particularly among young people in both the public and private sectors. It also complements UNISON's national campaign.
"The partners involved in GROOVEMENT will review the success of the initiative after six months in June this year", explained Rob. "UNISON's continued involvement will depend on the public image associated with the event, recruitment which can be attributed to it and the expenditure incurred by UNISON in promoting it", he added.
*
Welcome for National Black Members Conference
by Sofi Taylor, Scottish Black Members CommitteeLast year saw Glasgow hosting the 5th National Black Members Conference, the first National Black Members Conference in Scotland.
It was held at the Central Hotel, in the heart of Glasgow. This is also the first time that workshops were run.
Scottish Representative, Mukami McCrum facilitated the workshop on Awareness of International Issues.The total number of delegates were 409 with 22 Scottish delegates. The largest numbers came from London, with 154 delegates.
Unique Scottish welcome
Conference was opened with piping in the National Black Members Committee by a black piper. The Scottish Region also held a ceilidh that evening for a unique Scottish welcome.The conference was chaired by Asher John Baptiste. The guest speaker was Vusi Nhlapo, President of NEHAWU, who welcomed this opportunity to speak to the black members in Britain and of common struggles in both nations.
55 motions and 6 composite motions were on the agenda. Scottish motions were racial harassment law in Scotland, BNP and Hong Kong and a number of amendments.A copy of record of decisions can be obtained by writing to the Secretary, Scottish Black Members, address below.
This conference and the social events were was voted the best yet by the delegates. However there is never enough of time to discuss all the issues and some will be carried to the 98 conference. The decisions on where the 98 conference will be held have not been made yet and I will keep you in touch.Every black member should try via their branches to attend conference, not only for its networking value but also to see how decisions are made within UNISON.
I and Mukami are the Scottish representatives and we can be reached via: The Scottish Black Members Committee Secretary at UNISON House, 14 West Campbell Street, Glasgow, G2 6RX.
Please pass this to black UNISON members, (or other black staff who wish to join)
Please assist us in developing black self-organisation by filling in and returning this formName:
Address for Correspondence:Workplace
Employer
UNISON branch and number (if known)
I would like
- To join UNISON
- To be put on the mailing list
- To receive Black Action (bulletin for black members)send to: Secretary, UNISON Scotland Black Members Group, UNISON House,
FREEPOST NW486, Glasgow G2 6BR.
*
Womens organisation pilot project
The Scottish Womens Committee has set up a pilot project with Fife Local Government and Dundee General Health branches to try to build women's organisation, writes Eileen Dinning, Womens Officer.
The year long project will work alongside the Branch Organisation and Development Working Party to provide an action plan for branches.
*
Round the branch magazines
Hotel services out to tender
SHETLAND HEALTH's magazine leads with the story that tenders are out for the five year hotel services contract held by Gardner Merchant.
Secretary Richard Goodland gives full details of the timescale and reminds members of their TUPE rights.
Discounts
Inside, the magazine lists a host of local businesses with whom discounts for members have been negotiated.
A health & safety briefing reminds members of the importance of reporting 'near misses'.New Labour, same shabby pay deals
In a packed 12 page edition, of Organise in UNISON, Glasgow's SOUTHERN GENERAL HOSPITAL branch slams the 'slap in the face' of the 1998 pay deals for nursing and professions allied to medicine staff (PAMs).
It also runs practical advice on assertiveness for women, the Private Finance Illusion and UNISON services and benefits.Action planned to fight redundancies
The spectre of 600 redundancies, school meals closures, recreation cuts, mergers and attacks on conditions in libraries, is the main news in City of Edinburgh's UNISONNews
The branch is now consulting members on industrial action and mounting a public campaign to expose the effects of cuts.
*
Web only story - to follow in next printed issue
Equality 2000 Campaign
For Lesbian and Gay Equality
by Neil MacinnesUNISON Scotland has agreed to actively support the Stonewall Equality 2000 Campaign for legal equality for lesbians and gay men.
At it's December meeting the Scottish Council agreed to affiliate to Stonewall and assist the campaign by distributing information through UNISON following a meeting proposed by this branch, Glasgow City Branch and the Scottish Lesbian and Gay Committee.
Equality 2000 was devised as a way to campaign for all the important aims in the fight for legal equality by linking them together under a five point agenda.
UNISON fully supports the Equality 2000 campaign with its 5 challenges for equality and social justice by the millennium.
Only last month the European Court of Justice (ECJ) dropped a political and legal bombshell on lesbian and gay rights in this country, when it ruled against Lisa Grant's claim for equal treatment in the workplace. The legal bombshell was the courts outright rejection of Lisa's claim that she had a valid case against her employers for sex discrimination - despite last years backing by the Advocate General. The ECJ claimed that since gay men would also have been refused the perks which Lisa was claiming for her partner Jill, sex discrimination could not be claimed.
One positive outcome of the case is that it has provoked employers to think carefully about the issues and to act positively towards their lesbian and gay employees. UNISON would hope that we shall see the same moves with employers within the public sector.
The trade union is hoping that all branches will get involved in this campaign by affiliating to Stonewall and will be actively encouraging members to get involved in the postcards to Tony Blair campaign. This will be part of Stonewall's National Campaign to have over 1,000,000 postcards delivered to Downing Street before Lesbian and Gay Pride 1998.
For more information contact Neil Macinnes, Secretary Scottish lesbian and gay Committee, Glasgow City UNISON 30 Bell Street Glasgow G1 1LG: 0141 552 7069
.
16 May petition and human chain - Birmingham
Help give a debt free start to a billion poor people of the world
by Nicky King, Scottish G8 coordinator
Did you know that a billion people are enslaved to big financial institutions of the world like the World Bank and the international Monetary Fund?
Did you know these institutions are demanding repayment of national debts eventhough it will cause sever hardship and grind these poor countries further into poverty?
Did you know that countries like Uganda have to pay £11.50 per person a year on debt repayment but can afford only £2 per person a year on health care? Surely this modern day slavery has to stop?
You can help to break these slave chains of debt by signing the 'Jubilee 2000' petition calling for a one-off cancellation by the year 2000 of the backlog of unpayable debts owed by the world's poorest countries on a case by case basis. Organisations like UNISON, the STUC, Christian Aid and Oxfam have formed the 'Jubilee 2000' coalition to work towards making the world's largest petition of over 21 million signatures.
This petition will be presented to the leaders of the eight richest countries, leaders like Bill Clinton, Helmut Kohl and President Hashimoto, when they meet at the 'G8 Summit' in Birmingham on 16 May this year. To add power to this presentation, a human chain tens of thousands of people long will be formed round the Summit buildings.
You can join this chain and presentation by joining a special 'debt busting train' leaving Edinburgh at 7am, returning around 11pm on the day (£32 full return, £10 concession) or by using buses being arranged from various locations in Scotland (£15 - £30).
For further information contact either
Liz Hendry, the Scottish Jubilee 2000 coordinator at 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN, phone 0131 225 5722
or Nicky King the Scottish G8 coordinator at 01355 224216 or e-mail nickyking@compuserve.com.