§ 29. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what consultations occurred between her conciliation officers and Stephenson Clarke and Company and the Transport and General Workers Union prior to a cheque for £5,000 being handed over by the employers to the fund of the Union's convalescent home; whether such a settlement of the strike of transport drivers was made with her consent; and whether she will make a statement on her general policy towards settlement of an industrial dispute by such means.
§ Mr. HattersleyOfficers of my Department took part in talks between the company and the Transport and General Workers Union in November, 1968 about arrangements for union recognition. These talks were not concerned with the understanding reported to have been reached between the company and the union in May, 1969, of which my right hon. Friend had no advance information. My right hon. Friend will be informed of the outcome of the inquiries which the T.U.C. is making following a complaint from the United Road Transport Union, and will consider, in the light of the information received, whether any statement of policy or other action is necessary.