Mr. Ted Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will initiate action designed to resolve the industrial disputes at the British Aircraft Corporation establishments at Preston and Stevenage involving the clerical staff, and to end the situation whereby industrial disputes and long-draw-out strikes at this establishment are interfering with Government contracts.
§ Mr. BoothFollowing separate talks with the Department's conciliation officers, negotiations between the company and APEX officials were renewed in Preston on 5th June. I am glad to say that a settlement was reached on 7th June which was accepted at a mass meeting the following day and normal working has resumed today. Officials are keeping in touch with the situation at Stevenage and will be ready to assist if necessary.