§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement arising out of his Department's meeting with the Chairman of the National Coal Board on the coal miners' strike; and what steps he now proposes to take in assisting towards a settlement in the dispute.
§ Mr. R. CarrAt a Meeting on 7th January, representatives of the National Coal Board gave my officials details of their offer to the National Union of Mineworkers and of their offer to refer the dispute to the industry's national tribunal for arbitration, both of which had been rejected.
I shall of course continue to consider any practical steps which might assist the parties to come to an agreement acceptable to them both.
§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will inform both sides involved in the miners' coal strike that the conciliation services of his Department will be made available.
§ Mr. R. CarrI am sure that both sides are already aware that the conciliation services of my Department are available, but I am glad to take this opportunity of reaffirming the fact.