HC Deb 22 July 1974 vol 877 cc336-7W
Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will intervene in the present industrial dispute concerning local authority staff in the borough of Southwark; how long the dispute has lasted; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Booth

The industrial action involving staff in the London borough of Southwark is part of an official dispute between NALGO and the London boroughs regarding a claim for improved London weighting allowance. The action at Southwark began on 14th April 1974, when 18 telephonists withdrew their labour and other staff began an overtime ban. As negotiations on this claim are continuing within the recognised machinery it would not be appropriate for my Department to intervene.