§ Mr. Atkinsonasked the Prime Minister if he will now seek to resume negotiations with the TUC with a view to a settlement of the miners' pay claim; and what further proposals lie will put to it to enable such negotiations to be started.
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§ The Prime MinisterAs I explained to the House on 22nd January, the Government have done everything in their power, within what they believe to be right in the interests of the country as a whole, to make possible a settlement of this dispute.
I expressed the hope in my letter to Mr. Gormley on 23rd January that the executive would conclude that in the light of the situation facing the country acceptance of the substantial and fair offer that had been made and of the Government's proposals for joint discussion of the industry's future would do justice not only to the aspirations of their members but also to the needs and circumstances of the country.
I also said that if the officers or the executive of the National Union of Mine-workers would like to come and discuss the matter further with me and my colleagues, I should be very ready to arrange a meeting. That offer still holds and I am equally ready to meet the TUC.