4. Mrs. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made by the Government of Northern Rhodesia in the settlement of the dispute in the copper mines.
§ Mr. LytteltonThe employers and the African Mineworkers' Union agreed to the appointment of a conciliator and work was resumed on 10th November. The attempt at conciliation broke down, but work continues. Both parties are willing to submit the claim to arbitration, and consultations are taking place about terms of reference.
Mrs. WhiteWhile appreciating that the preliminaries in these matters take a little while, can the right hon. Gentleman give some indication when it is likely the name of the arbitrator is to be announced?
§ Mr. LytteltonThat, of course, depends on the agreement of the two parties, but perhaps the hon. Lady will be assured when I say that the United Kingdom is quite willing to appoint the arbitrator if the parties agree.