HC Deb 14 October 1976 vol 917 cc187-8W
Mr. Churchill

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received in connection with the dispute at Electro-Automat of Swinton and what reply he has sent.

Mr. Harold Walker

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have received a number of representations about this dispute and we have consistently urged that the parties should come together under the auspices of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service to try to resolve the dispute. Since I saw the hon. Member on 5th August there have been three meetings under ACAS chairmanship and at the last, on 7th October, I understand some progress was made. I very much hope that this protracted dispute will soon be resolved.