§ Mr. Mellishasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the fact that the union has asked that the dispute between the Transport and General Workers' Union and the Mid-Surrey Area Health Authority be referred to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service and that whilst this is being done new rosters and normal work are suspended, if he will intervene to stop the dispute from developing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleI indicated in the House yesterday in my reply to the right hon. and learned Member for Epsom and Ewell (Sir P. Rawlinson)—[Vol. 929, c. 407–11]—my conviction that local disputes of this kind are best settled by the people on the spot. As my right hon. Friend is no doubt aware both the area health authority and the Transport and General Workers' Union have agreed to refer the matter to a mediator—who, I understand, is now being appointed by the Adivsory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. The authority has reinstated the dismissed workers, who are now suspended on full pay, and the union has withdrawn its pickets.