§ 48. Mr Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Employment what requests he has received to conciliate in the threatened work-to-rule by British European Airways pilots; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkFollowing a recommendation by the National Joint Council for Civil Air Transport, my Department invited representatives of British European Airways and British Airline Pilots Association to discuss their differences under the Department's chairmanship on 29th March. B.A.L.P.A. was prepared to meet B.E.A. only if the corporation first improved its pay offer. B.E.A. could not accept this precondition, but was willing jointly to explore any possibility or to refer the issue to arbitration. I regret that no basis could be found for joint discussions. B.A.L.P.A. would not agree to arbitration and began a restriction of co-operation on 1st April.
My Department remains ready to give further help and is keeping in touch with the parties.