§ 11. Mr. Mathewasked the Minister of Aviation what were the reasons for the strike by porters and members of the 10 apron services at London Airport on Monday, 5th December; and what action has been taken as a result.
§ Mr. RipponThe unofficial strike at London Airport on 5th December arose from oral allegations by a baggage loader about the way he had been questioned by a detective constable followed by a demand by certain employees for the immediate suspension of the police officer. As soon as the complainant had made a written statement, an inquiry by a senior officer into the allegations was started in accordance with normal police procedure.
§ Mr. MathewDoes my hon. Friend not agree that this strike caused great dislocation of B.E.A. services and consequent inconvenience to many travellers from Europe? Whatever may be the rights and wrongs of the dispute—however they may be revealed at the inquiry—and whatever may be the rights of the employees, will not my hon. Friend agree that the parallel responsibilities of the employees to the public were not being observed?
§ Mr. RipponHappily, the airport continued to function with the co-operation of the airlines and few, if any, aircraft were delayed. The strike was unofficial, and I agree with my hon. Friend that it is usually in everyone's interest to use the established machinery to raise and settle disputes.