§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Labour what further steps have been taken by the Ministry to end the dispute between the General Accident, Fire, and Life Corporation, Limited, and the Guild of Insurance Officials, in view of the fact that a court of inquiry has been twice refused; and whether he would be willing to lay before the House all information in connection with the dispute?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAOwing to the absence of the general manager of the corporation from this country, further negotiations have not been possible. The corporation has already stated that, while it is indifferent as to whether junior members of its staff are members of the guild or not, no member of the guild can hold a position of responsibility or trust, and it has also decided not to reinstate the members of its staff who took part in the strike. This attitude has been endorsed by the annual general meeting of the corporation. As regards the last part of the question, I fully discussed the case, and my reasons for not complying with the request to set up a court of inquiry, during the course of the Debate on the Consolidated Fund Bill on 22nd March last.