Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Labour the nature of the dispute reported to him at the Everwear Candlewick Factory, Brynmawr; how many employees are on strike; and whether he will make a statement on the progress his officers are making with both sides to the dispute.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThis dispute first arose in connection with the operation of a bonus scheme and now involves the question of trade union recognition. The number of employees on strike at the company's Brynmawr factory is approximately 270, and in addition 123 employees at the Blaenavon factory have taken sympathetic strike action. So far no mutually acceptable basis for a settlement of the dispute has been found, but my conciliation officer in Wales is keeping in close touch with both parties.