§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement about the dispute concerning journalists employed by companies belonging to the Newspaper Society; and whether the services of the Arbitration, Conciliation and Advisory Service have been requested by either party.
§ Mr. Harold Walker:The National Union of Journalists called upon its members employed on provincial newspapers to strike from 4th December in support of a pay claim. Publication of a number of provincial dailies has been affected. I understand that ACAS has been in touch with the parties but has not been asked to intervene by either party.