§ 27. Mr. Milneasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the talks held with trade union representatives of the retail, distributive and service trades in Northern Ireland, particularly in relation to the problems of employment following the damage caused to Co-operative premises in Belfast recently.
§ Mr. David HowellMy right hon. Friend's meeting on 15th May with trade union representatives in Northern Ireland was a general meeting with the Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trades Unions, and was not confined to the retail, distributive and service trades.
A figure of £1 million has been agreed with the Belfast Co-operative Society for the loss of its stock and a payment of £400,000 has already been made. A further payment on account will be made later this month. Government Departments in Northern Ireland will continue to keep in touch with the firm, which should be congratulated on its strenuous efforts to resume business.