§ Mr. A. SHORT asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the dispute of the clerical staff employed by the British and Irish Steam Packet Company, Limited; and if his Department are taking any steps to bring about a settlement of this dispute?
§ Dr. MACNAMARA: The attention of my Department has been drawn to this dispute, and the Irish Department of the Ministry, at the request of the Irish Clerical Workers' Union, convened a conference of the parties, but this was not productive of any good results. The general manager of the company informed the Department that he had reached a satisfactory understanding with the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union and the Shipping Clerical Staffs Guild of Liverpool, but the settlement would only be put in force when the company was satisfied that the Guild was able to speak on behalf of all the clerical staff. Hitherto the company state that they have not received proof of this. The company are not prepared to recognise the Irish Clerical Workers' Union.