§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what part has been played by the Conciliation and Arbitration Service to bring the parties together in the trade dispute at the Casanova Club, W1; which party is refusing to enter talks and for what reasons; and if he will make a statement;
(2)what assistance his Department is giving to the Transport and General Workers Union (Casino Section) in obtaining recognition by the proprietors of the 24 licensed gaming establishments in London;
(3)what discussions he has had with the Gaming Board with the object of ensuring that good industrial relations shall be one of the criteria in the granting and keeping of a licence to run a gaming house;
(4)what discussions his Department has held with the Gaming Board concerning the trade dispute at the Casanova Club, W1.
§ Mr. BoothI understand that, following a request for assistance by the Transport and General Workers' Union, the Conciliation and Arbitration Service sought a meeting with the owners of the Casanova Club, Mayfair Casinos Ltd., but that this approach was rejected. The service is available to assist in resolving any industrial dispute, including disputes involving union recognition, but can do so only with the co-operation of both384W parties. Provision for dealing with recognition issues will be made in the Employment Protection Bill to be introduced in the new year. No discussions have been held with the Gaming Board either about the dispute at the Casanova Club or about industrial relations in gaming establishments generally. I do not think it would be appropriate to seek to improve industrial relations in this industry by utilising legislation designed to regulate gaming.