§ Mr. Adam Butlerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of the dangers inherent in the lack of 534W maintenance to Britain's canals brought about by the industrial dispute between the British Waterways Board and its staff and the recent announcement that water levels are to be lowered, he will take steps to bring the dispute to an early conclusion; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Denis Howell:I understand that the unions which represent the Board's staff intend to make a claim about their terms and conditions of employment to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service under schedule 11 to the Employment Protection Act 1975. Now that this avenue is being explored I hope that the staff will see fit to stop the industrial action at present affecting the canals.