HC Deb 12 March 1979 vol 964 c18W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is aware that the 16,000 workers in the employ of the National Freight Corporation have been awarded by arbitration a 20 per cent. increase in their pay; and whether this increase will be permitted under the Government's pay code.

Mr. William Rodgers

My hon. Friend refers to an award made under schedule 11 of the Employment Protection Act 1975. The Government are not in a position to override the legislative decision of Parliament.