§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is aware of the hardship caused to limbless people and to the technicians responsible for limb fitting by the protracted pay dispute; if he will now intervene in this strike; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Paul BryanAll of us have the greatest sympathy with those disabled people all over the country who are suffering distress and hardship as a result of this unofficial strike. My Department has kept in close touch with the Department of Health and Social Security in this matter.
470WThe artificial-limb makers are claiming a 20 per cent. increase in pay. My Department chaired talks between the British Surgical Trades Association and the trade unions concerned on 16th September, 1970, and agreement was reached on a postponement of the threatened strike to enable further talks to take place between the parties, without the Department being present. The Association has offered a pay rise of 12 per cent., but the limb makers rejected it, although their unions recommended acceptance.
I understand that at the end of last week the Association indicated willingness to add slightly to their offer, provided that the strikers return to work by the end of this week. The strikers will be considering this increased offer at a meeting today.