§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many disputes there have been involving electricians and other exhibition workers since the reference of their recent pay 149W settlement to the National Board for Prices and Incomes on 18th March; and what is the estimated number of wage increases that have been concluded since the reference.
§ Mr. HattersleyOn 18th March the exhibition stand fitting operatives were operating an unofficial ban on overtime working in the major London exhibition halls and the restriction continued until 16th May when the men resumed normal working. Other disputes of which the Department is aware were a one-day stoppage by stand fitting operatives on 24th March at Earls Court and an unofficial strike from 7th May to 12th May by stand fitters at Earls Court and Olympia. The exhibition electricians have worked normally during the period.
Since the reference, no wage increases have been conceded nationally to electricians or other exhibition workers. Two companies were reported to be paying increases in breach of the standstill, but these companies promised to cease making the payments after discussion with my Department.