HC Deb 19 July 1974 vol 877 cc279-80W
Mr. Whitehead

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received asking for his intervention in the dispute between the BBC and the ABS and ACTT unions in relation to the pay and conditions of service of television production assistants.

Mr. Booth

Officers of my Department have been involved in conciliation at an earlier stage of this dispute when the matters at issue were fully explored. They have continued to keep in touch with the situation but have not received any further requests for assistance from the parties involved.

Mr. Stallard

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will seek information about the state of industrial relations at the BBC to assist him in making available his good offices in the present dispute.

Mr. Booth

Officers of my Department have been involved in conciliation at an earlier stage of this dispute when the matters at issue were fully explored. They have continued to keep in touch with the situation and I understand that the BBC has confirmed its willingness for the dispute to be referred to arbitration.