§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether, pursuant to the reply by the Minister of State, Official Report, 12th January, column 820, to the hon. Member for Leek (Mr. Knox), he will make a statement on his meeting with representatives of the Joint Industry Board for Plumbing on 15th January; what were the specific features of the Joint Industry Board settlement to which he took exception; when they were promulgated; and why his Department took no earlier action on this matter.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerFollowing this meeting the JIB has renegotiated a new pay agreement, promulgated on 24th January, which conforms with the pay guidelines. The JIB negotiated an agreement in September 1976 giving 32.6 per cent. It was asked to renegotiate. Revised proposals were promulgated in two stages, the last on 15th November. These also exceeded the guidelines and
730WGovernment's pay guidelines. Discussion with representatives of the industry are continuing.