§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if it is her policy that the equipment in the Holbrook Annexe of the North-East London Polytechnic should only be serviced by workers belonging to a union.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement about the fortifications that have been erected by cleaning operatives in and around the Holbrook Annexe of the North East London Polytechnic.
§ Mr. OakesI understand these do not themselves prevent access to the building. They will no doubt be removed when the dispute is settled.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many injunctions have been served on those in unlawful possession of the Holbrook Annexe of the North East London Polytechnic; and what steps are being taken to regain possession.
§ Mr. OakesNone. I understand the polytechnic and its maintaining joint education committee are considering what further steps can be taken to settle the dispute.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made in resolving the strike at the North East London Polytechnic; and 67W how many meetings have taken place between the North East London Polytechnic authorities and the cleaning operatives in an attempt to resolve the dispute, giving the dates of each meeting and the results.
Date Meeting Conclusion 8th October 1976 … Discussed survey of levels of asbestos in air. Cleaning operatives refused to accept building was safe. 14th October 1976 … Cleaning operatives presented demands Informal. Majority of demands agreed. 11th November 1976 … Informal Prepared way for further meeting on 19th November. 19th November 1976 … Greater London Joint Council for Local Authorities Service. Agreement in principle reached. 24th November 1976 … Cleaning operatives sought to clarify agreement. Agreement signed. 30th December 1976 … Further proposals submitted by cleaning operatives. No final agreement.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what prior discussions with the director of the school and the unions took place before the cleaning operatives went on strike at the North East London Polytechnic.
§ Mr. OakesNone. In the three months before the strike, however, there were many discussions between union representatives and the polytechnic safety officer, health and safety executive officers, Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate, and other officials.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will take direct action to resolve the dispute at the Holbrook Annexe of North East London Polytechnic and thereby ensure the continuation of the courses based there in September 1976.
§ Mr. OakesNo. Both the polytechnic governors and the maintaining joint education committee are considering ways of resolving the dispute and it would not be appropriate for my right hon. Friend to intervene.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has been the effect of the closure of Holbrook Annexe of the North East London Polytechnic through the strike by cleaning operatives; and what proportion will be made to ensure the continued operation of the interrupted courses based there from September 1976.
§ Mr. OakesI understand that a number of proposals submitted by the cleaning operatives has been agreed by the polytechnic, but the operatives are not yet willing to settle the dispute. The following meetings have taken place:
dispute. Courses in fashion and textiles, educational psychology and the School for Independent Studies have been affected by lack of access to equipment and personal files. Temporary arrangements are in hand to alleviate the equipment problems but the difficulties cannot be wholly overcome until the dispute is settled.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science who has had effective possession of the Holbrook Annexe of the North East London Polytechnic since the calling of the strike by cleaning operatives.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what physical barricades are obstructing the entrance into the Holbrook Annexe of the North East London Polytechnic; and what steps are being taken to remove them.
§ Mr. OakesThe entrance is partially obstructed by a motor van supplemented by portable wooden barriers and chairs. No steps are being taken at present to remove them.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many academic staff have been affected by the strike of cleaning operatives at the Holbrook Annexe of the North East London Polytechnic.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many students have been affected by the strike of the cleaning operatives at the Holbrook Annexe of the North East London Polytechnic; and what arrangements have been made to maintain their courses of study.
§ Mr. Oakes196 students have been affected. Their courses have continued in alternative accommodation.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what were the reasons for strike action by the cleaning operatives at the North East London Polytechnic.
§ Mr. OakesI understand that the main reason was the alleged lack of safety resulting from the use by building subcontractors of material containing asbestos.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the value of equipment housed in the Holbrook Annexe of the North East London Polytechnic; and what attempts are being made and by whom to safeguard property and personal possessions.
§ Mr. OakesThe value of the equipment is about £20,000. The buildings are normally locked for security purposes by the resident caretaker.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many pickets now occupy the Holbrook Annexe of the North East London Polytechnic on an average day during the week; and how many of them are cleaning operatives.
§ Mr. OakesI understand there are now normally about three or four pickets of whom two or three are cleaning operatives.