HC Deb 29 January 1973 vol 849 c913
1. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the result of the negotiations between the International Transport Federation and the Australian Waterside Workers' Federation in the negotiations with the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony Government concerning the future employment of Gilbertese seamen from the training ship "Teraaka" at Tarawa.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Anthony Kershaw)

The parties to the negotiations were the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Overseas Seamen's Union, advised by the General Secretary of the International Transport Workers Federation, and a consortium of German shipowners which is the largest employer of the colony's seamen. A satisfactory three-year agreement was concluded.

Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Is he aware how important it is that the employment which is provided by the training at this school is maintained in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands?

Mr. Kershaw

I agree that it is extremely important to the islands. I am glad to be able to take this opportunity of expressing my thanks to Mr. Charles Blyth, the General Secretary of the ITF, and the Organiser of the Waterside Workers' Federation of Australia for their help and understanding.

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