HC Deb 15 November 1976 vol 919 cc388-9W
Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is aware that the dispute between Hopkinsons Ltd. of Huddersfield and the TASS section of the AUEW may now spread into other firms in the Huddersfield area; and whether the services of the ACAS have been called for by either side in the dispute.

Mr. Mallalieu

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is aware that the dispute between Hopkinsons Ltd. of Huddersfield and the TASS section of the AUEW may now spread into other firms in the Huddersfield area; and whether the services of the ACAS have been called for by either side in the dispute.

Mr. Harold Walker

I have heard suggestions that the dispute may spread to other firms in the area; so far I have no information that it has done so. As I told my hon. Friends in my reply on 8th November—[Vol. 919, c. 89–90]—the dispute is at present still within the procedure of the engineering industry and, while this is so, it would not be appropriate for the ACAS to intervene. The ACAS is, however, in touch with the situation and ready to help should the parties so wish.

Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what requests his Department has received from the management of Hopkinsons Ltd. of Huddersfield or from the TASS section of the AUEW for interpretation of the Government/TUC £6 per week pay policy in the light of pay claims made by the TASS; and what replies have been sent.

Mr. Mallalieu

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what requests his Department has received from the management of Hopkinsons Ltd. of Huddersfield, or from the TASS section of the AUEW for interpretation of the Government/TUC £6 per week wage policy in the light of pay claims made by the TASS; and what replies have been sent.

Mr. Harold Walker

Both management and TASS have sought advice on the application of the pay guidelines to these claims. In correspondence and at subsequent meetings both parties have been advised of the criteria which should be applied.

Forward to