HC Deb 06 March 1967 vol 742 cc1045-6
45. Mr. George Jeger

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in the efforts he has been making to settle the strike which has been going on for four months at Pollard Bearings factory at Ferrybridge.

Mr. Hattersley

Until early February neither party wanted our intervention. Since then, our officers have been trying by discussions with all concerned to find a solution to this difficult dispute. Arbitration has been suggested, but the company does not consider that the issue is appropriate for decision by arbitration.

Mr. George Jeger

In view of that statement, is the Minister prepared to take any action of any other kind, or to send in his official arbitrator, or someone who could carry out some conciliation work between the two organisations?

Mr. Hattersley

My hon. Friend will appreciate that the Ministry of Labour has been officially involved in this dispute for only a little more than three weeks. I am sure that the answer at this moment is to continue the sort of negotiations which are going on with the assistance of my Ministry's officials.