HC Deb 27 October 1976 vol 918 cc267-8W
Mr. Charles Irving

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will consider reducing to one month the period of six months after dismissal during which an employee can elect to take his case to the industrial tribunal.

Mr. Harold Walker

The six months' time limit applies only to cases involving a redundancy payment. I am satisfied with the way the present time limits operate.

Mr. Charles Irving

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if lie will give details of the number of cases of alleged wrongful dismissals that have not passed the conciliation officer stage where the settlement has been less than £100; and what percentage this is of the total num- ber of cases brought to the attention of the Industrial Tribunal.

Mr. Harold Walker

In the period 1st October 1974 to 30th June 1976, the latest dae for which figures are available, 5,984 cases of alleged unfair dismissal, involving payment of less than £100, were settled by conciliation. These cases represent 14.2 per cent. of all applications relating to alleged unfair dismissal made to the industrial tribunals.