§ 19. Mr. Crouchasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the approximate total of those expected to be involved in conciliation work in his Department when the Industrial Relations Act becomes fully operative, as compared with the current figure.
§ Mr. BryanAbout 140 officers are at present involved in conciliation work, mainly in the regions. It is expected that up to 100 more will be required to deal with complaints by individuals mainly about unfair dismissals
§ Mr. CrouchIs my hon. Friend aware that on this aspect of industrial relations there is unlikely to be a difference of opinion between the two sides of the House about the new emphasis which is being placed on the question of conciliation and producing a better service for it?
§ Mr. BryanI think that all Members would agree with what my hon. Friend said. As he knows, the Act puts great stress on conciliation, and the conciliation services under the present Government are every bit as busy as they used to be under the Labour Administration, despite the criticism we have had from the Opposition.
§ Mr. AtkinsonIn view of the hon. Gentleman's reply, why have his officials advised employers in the West Midlands to discontinue the Coventry toolroom agreement?