§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the possibility that as from 4th February the police and fire authorities may be without wireless maintenance emergency services due to the unresolved 44W dispute with the Civil Service Union, if he will take urgent action in this matter.
§ Mr. R. CarrThe dispute arises over a centrally-negotiated agreement applicable over the whole of the non-industrial Civil Service. Urgent consideration is being given at national level to the possibility of negotiating revised terms. In the meantime, my officials are in touch with the Civil Service Union, which has been asked to defer taking action which would prejudice police and fire communications.