HC Deb 27 April 1966 vol 727 c674
5. Dame Joan Vickers

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what action he is taking in regard to the status and pay of the apprentice instructors, charge-men and medical assistants in Her Majesty's Dockyards.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

As I told the hon. Lady on 9th March, we are making progress, and hope to give detailed proposals to the trade union and staff sides before long.

Dame Joan Vickers

This is an urgent matter and by now the hon. Gentleman will have received a petition from all the apprentice instructors from all the dockyards in the country. They would like to send a delegation to see him about the matter. Will he grant them an interview?

Mr. Mallalieu

I know that this is urgent, but it is also very complicated and the matter must be handled through the trade unions.