HC Deb 23 June 1966 vol 730 cc143-4W
Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Labour what action he is taking to bring to an end the inter-union dispute on the use of fork-lift trucks at Tyne Dock and Albert Edward Dock on the River Tyne.

Mr. Gunter

A meeting of representatives of the two unions concerned and of the other interests involved, was held under Ministry chairmanship on 10th June. Suggestions made at that meeting for resolving the difficulty were subsequently rejected by the members of one of the unions concerned. National officers of the two unions held a further meeting on 20th June but were unable to reach agreement. Since then, the T.U.C, with whom my Department is in close touch, has been pursuing the matter urgently with both unions with a view to finding a solution. My Ministry will do anything it can to assist a speedy settlement.