HC Deb 24 June 1975 vol 894 cc98-9W
53. Mr. Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will publish in the Official Report details of requests made by the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service to the Transport and General Workers' Union to arrange meetings to discuss the industrial dispute between the Transport and General Workers' Union and the Newmarket Trainers' Federation.

Mr. Kinnock

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish in the Official Report details of requests made by the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service to the Newmarket Trainers' Federation to arrange meetings to discuss the industrial dispute which has existed between that body and the Transport and General Workers' Union; when such meetings were held; and what are the names of those who have attended on behalf of the Newmarket Trainers' Federation.

Mr. Booth

I understand that there has been a number of meetings with representatives of both sides. However, the publication of the details of meetings of this kind would not contribute to the settlement of disputes.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what efforts his Department has made to facilitate a settlement of the industrial dispute which exists between members of the Transport and General Workers' Union and the Newmarket Trainers' Federation;

(2) what efforts have been made by the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service to facilitate a settlement of the industrial dispute which exists between members of the Transport and General Workers' Union and the Newmarket Trainers' Federation.

Mr. John Fraser

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service has been seeking to help to resolve this dispute from the start and I understand that it is still continuing to do so. The service has taken over conciliation and arbitration functions formerly carried out by my Department, which has not been involved with the parties.

Mr. Kinnock

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will publish in the Official Report a copy of the letter he has received from the General Secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union requesting him to inquire into the breakdown of industrial relations in the horserace training industry in the Newmarket area together with a copy of his reply.

Mr. Foot

I do not think it helpful to publish correspondence of this kind during the course of disputes. The Transport and General Workers' Union has suggested that I should appoint an inquiry. I have replied that as the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service is continuing to try to assist in securing a settlement, I am reluctant to do so.