§ Lord AVEBURYasked Her Majesty's Government:
On what dates the Independent Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration 766WA Service had discussions with officials of the Transport and General Workers Union and with representatives of the British Waterways Board regarding the unofficial action of some dock workers in Hull which led to the withdrawal by the crewmen of the BACAT (Barge-aboard-Catamaran) Service between Rotterdam and Hull and what was the result of those discussions.
§ Lord JACQUESI understand that it is not the practice of the Independent Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service to make public information about confidential discussions they may have with parties concerned with industrial disputes. I understand that the Service has had discussions on a number of occasions with the parties mentioned but that it has not been possible to assist them. The Service is continuing to maintain contact with the parties. I regret that in my Answer of 15th March 1976 to the noble Lord (Vol. 369, col. 139) the word "crewmen" should have read "owners".
House adjourned at ten minutes past nine o'clock.