§ Mr. Clark Hutchisonasked the Minister Labour whether he will consult both parties in the dispute between the Scottish 6W Co-operative Wholesale Society and the National Union of Bank Employees over retrospective payments, with a view to urging their acceptance of the award made by the independent Chairman of the Conciliation Board.
§ Mr. HareAccording to my information the independent Chairman of the Conciliation Board has not made an award. Under the Board's constitution he is not able to do so unless both parties agree that he should do so, and on this occasion the Society did not so agree.
I have not been asked to help, but my officers are available should either party wish for their services.