Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will make a statement on the strike of bus crews in Central Scotland.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe strike of bus crews in Central Scotland began on 12th November and is affecting 26 depots of the Scottish Bus Group. It is in support of a claim for a pay increase for drivers, conductors and conductresses. The strike is unofficial and unconstitutional and a delegate conference of the T. & G.W.U. in Scotland on 25th November recommended an immediate return to work. I understand that a special meeting of the National Council for the Omnibus Industry—the industry's own negotiating body—has been convened for 10th December and in the circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to intervene. I hope that the employees will forthwith accept their union's advice to resume normal working.