§ 15. Mr. Norman Hoggasked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects to meet Mr. Geoffrey Drain, general secretary of the National Union of Local Government Officers.
§ Mr. MayhewMy right hon. Friend has no immediate plans to meet Mr. Drain, but he would be very pleased to meet him at any time.
§ Mr. HoggWill the Minister take early steps to meet Mr. Drain of the National Union of Local Government Officers and give him an assurance that his Department will do all in its power to resolve the dispute in the British universities between the non-teaching staff and the university vice-chancellors, who are refusing appeals machinery which is available throughout the public sector and to other employees?
§ Mr. MayhewI am aware of this dispute. The Goverment take no part in disputes involving the negotiating machinery of university clerical staffs. This dispute is entirely a matter for the parties concerned.
§ Mr. BuchanWill the Minister assure NALGO that the Government intend to change their policy of opposition and dislike of the public sector? Will they recognise the economic illiteracy of their present policies and understand that the public sector could act as the best possible trigger for an economic recovery in this country?
§ Mr. MayhewNo, Sir.