§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he has taken to ascertain the reasons for the hospital workers' industrial dispute; and in particular how many meetings he has had with the trade unions.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellThe trade unions concerned have repeatedly made known their reasons for taking industrial action; and management has also made its position clear. I have not myself met the unions but I have been kept fully informed of the meetings held by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services. Officials of my Department have met the Scottish officers of the unions on three occasions and have been regularly in touch with them since the industrial action began.