13 OCTOBER 1973, Page 13

Forward the Pink Brigade

(With apologies to Lord Tennyson) Half a step, half a wink, Half a move sideways; All in a pitch-black pool Swim Labour's hundred. " Forward the Pink Brigade. Charge for the polls." H said; Into the conference hall Walked Labour's hundred.

'Forward the Pink Brigade." Was Wedgwood Benn dismayed? Tho' he and Shirley knew Someone had blundered. As for the lesser fry Theirs not to reason why, Theirs 'but to cheer and cry Inside the Conference Hall With Labour's hundred.

Jones to the left of them: Roy to the right of them; Harold and Michael Volleyed and thundered. Stormed at with shot and shell. Bravely they spoke and well. Out of the jaws of Hell Brought Labour's hundred.

Basil Charles