§ 7. Miss Burtonasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there is a strong possibility of a dispute between 1133 the Transport and General Workers' Union and car delivery agents in the Coventry district; that this would disrupt production in Coventry's motor industry and prejudice the delivery of cars for the export market; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe Transport and General Workers' Union has invited car delivery agents in Coventry to send representatives to a meeting on 3rd December to discuss proposals for an agreement on the wages and conditions of drivers. No report of an apprehended dispute has been made to my Department, and it would appear premature at this stage to contemplate such a possibility.
§ Miss BurtonI am aware of that information and am glad that it was sent to his Department, but does the Minister realise that there is very great dissatisfaction among the car delivery drivers in the Transport and General Workers' Union in Coventry, and is he further aware that the leaders of the union in Coventry are particularly anxious that there should be no strike action in this matter and it should be settled by discussion? Would he be prepared to use his offices to help to bring this about?
§ Mr. MacleodWe will watch what happens, of course, but I must say that I think it is too gloomy to contemplate losses of export orders as a result of a dispute which has not arisen following on a meeting which has not yet taken place. However, we will keep a watch on the position, with my local people.