HC Deb 23 October 1975 vol 898 cc703-4
13. Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps, in consultation with the directors of James Mackie and Sons Ltd., Belfast, and the trade unions, to help achieve a settlement of the present dispute, which has kept the employees out of work for over seven weeks.

The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr. Stanley Orme)

The Conciliation Division of the Northern Ireland Department of Manpower Services is assisting the parties involved in the present unfortunate dispute. I am concerned to see a settlement concluded as quickly as possible.

Mr. Kilfedder

I think the right hon. Gentleman will agree that this industrial dispute has caused grievous hardships to workers in the firm of James Mackie and Sons Limited, and to their families. The strike has lasted for over six weeks. Will the right hon. Gentleman consider intervening in an attempt to resolve this problem?

Mr. Orme

Yes, I shall. I have taken steps this morning to invite both parties—the trade unions and the employers—to a meeting in Belfast tomorrow. I emphasise that this is a pure industrial dispute and is not in conflict with the Government's policy. It can be resolved. I hope that that will be possible following tomorrow's meeting.

Mr. McCusker

Bearing in mind the excellent industrial relations record in Northern Ireland, what does the right hon. Gentleman intend to do about the alleged breach of the social contract by workers at STC and Ulsterbus, who, by voluntary negotiation, arrived at a settlement in excess of the £6 limit?

Mr. Orme

That is another question, which must be directed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment.

Mr. Carson

Does the Minister agree that, four weeks ago, through my personal intervention, he was prepared to meet the workers from Mackie, but that when the meeting was ready to take place it was called off as a result of the personal intervention of Mr. Andy Barr, a trade union representative? But for that, the Minister would have had this strike settled.

Mr. Orme

An industrial dispute such as the one which is the subject of the Question—a straight conflict on free collective bargaining between the trade unions and the employers—is something that a Minister cannot automatically resolve. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] I am glad that Opposition Members are learning from their past mistakes over the Industrial Relations Act.

I met a deputation from the shop stewards briefly last Friday, when we had the economic conference in Northern Ireland, and Mr. Barr was present. Tomorrow, in bringing the two sides together, I hope to resolve the dispute. I believe that it can be resolved quickly

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