Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service

HC Deb 25 May 1979 vol 967 cc306-7W

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the approximate cost to date of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service; and what plans he has to reform its membership.

Mr. Mayhew

The expenditure of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service since it was established in January 1976 has been about £22.9 million. I shall consider what appointments or reappointments should be made to the ACAS council when existing appointments expire. I am, however, statutorily bound to consult employer and union bodies before appointing six of the nine members.