§ Mr. Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps have been taken by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service to resolve the trade union and recognition dispute concerning management grades at British Shipbuilders; and what progress the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service has so far made in this matter.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI understand from ACAS that a recognition issue between the Shipbuilding and Allied Industries Management Association and British
700Wown agreements with their employees or their representatives for higher rates. No comprehensive information is available about such voluntary agreements.
Shipbuilders and its subsidiaries, referred to the Service under Section 11 of the Employment Protection Act, lapsed on 7th December 1977 with the transfer of engagements of SAIMA to the Engineers and Managers' Association: I understand from the Service, however, that following an approach by British Shipbuilders, it is considering what assistance it might be possible to give by means of conciliation.
§ Mr. Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his policy with regard to the view of the Trades Union Congress that British Shipbuilders should not recognise any trade union that is not at present affiliated to the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThis is not a matter on which it would be right for me 701W to express a view. Questions of recognition are matters to be considered by the interested parties and, where its aid is sought, by ACAS.