§ Mr. Alisonasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will refer the latest 207W pay claim lodged with the National Coal Board by the National Union of Mineworkers, on behalf of day-wagemen, to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
§ Mr. William RodgersMy right hon. Friend understands that a reply to the claim is to be given at a meeting of the Joint National Negotiating Committee on 3rd February in accordance with the normal conciliation arrangements of the Coal Mining Industry. It would be premature to take a decision on a reference of the claim to the National Board for Prices arid Incomes at this stage.