§ 20. Mr. Oliverasked the Minister of Labour what further use has been made of the services of his officers to effect a settlement of the dispute between the management and staff of the Derby Trustee Savings Bank; and what are the reasons for the prolonged deadlock.
§ Mr. HareMy officers were in touch with representatives of the union and the Trustee Savings Bank Employers' Council on Wednesday last, and at this stage they were given to understand by both sides that no useful purpose would be served by their intervention. On Thursday, however, my regional officer met the chairman of the Bank and offered to arrange a joint meeting with the union. He was informed that the dispute was still in the hands of the Trustee Savings Bank Employers' Council.
I understand that the Negotiating Committee of the Council is meeting tomorrow to reconsider the circumstances of the dispute. Therefore, there is nothing further that I can say for the moment.
§ Mr. OliverCan the right hon. Gentleman say what reasons are adduced for paying these managers the lowest wage of that section of employment in banks? That is the gravamen of the issue.
§ Mr. HareWe want to see this issue resolved, and perhaps the less we say at this moment, with negotiations going on, the better.