HC Deb 02 July 1975 vol 894 c450W
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what estimate upon employment in south Hampshire, he estimates the non-operation of the ferry "Mary Poppins" will have.

Mr. John Fraser

I understand that the non-operation of this service is unlikely to have any significant effects on employment in the area.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what consultation his Department has held concerning the dispute at Southampton involving the "Mary Poppins"; and if he will now arrange a meeting between the ship owners, the unions and the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service to see whether a satisfactory solution to this dispute can be found, in the interests of the consumer.

Mr. Booth

My Department has not been directly involved in the dispute. The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service is, of course, an independent body and it would be for the parties concerned to make a direct approach to the service on whether it could offer any advice or assistance in the matter.