§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation extending equal right of access to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service to employers.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerEmployers already make considerable use of the services which ACAS provides. The idea that employers should be able to make formal recognition references to ACAS under section 11 of the Employment Protection Act was considered and rejected when the Employment Protection Bill was under discussion in Parliament. However, employers can and do approach ACAS for assistance in conciliating in recognition disputes.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied that the requirement in the terms of reference of the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service to extend collective bargaining is equitable to employers.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerYes.