§ 37. Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Industry what representations he has received concerning the effect of the industrial action of members of the Post Office Engineering Union, in banning work on new telephone installations; and what estimate he has formed of the effect of this upon the import and export trade.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldIt is for the Post Office to estimate how many people are affected by the industrial action taken by members of the Post Office Engineering Union but my Department has received several letters, including two from the hon. Member drawing attention to the fact that the dispute has affected certain people or groups of people. My right hon. Friend is very much aware that an early settlement of this dispute would be of benefit to all concerned and had this in mind when asking Lord McCarthy to undertake his special review of the matter. That review is being pursued urgently.