§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will make a statement on the recent strike in Merseyside hospitals following the dismissal of two shop stewards.
§ Mrs. CastleA recent dispute at New-sham Hospital led to 14 days' strike at that hospital and to a 24-hour strike at other hospitals in Liverpool and wirral by catering and portering staff belonging to the National Union of Public Employees. Some inconvenience to patients resulted, which I regret, but essential services were maintained. The dispute, about the rights or wrongs of the dismissal of some shop stewards, has now been referred to arbitration, and normal working has been resumed.