HC Deb 04 March 1980 vol 980 cc174-5W
Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking to resolve the dispute concerning laboratory technicians in area health boards; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Fairgrieve

The resolution of this dispute is a matter for the appropriate committee of the National Health Service Whitley Council, on which both management and unions are represented. Regrettably, the staff side has withdrawn from the national agreement; the management side, however, is very willing to resume negotiations and anxious to bring the dispute to a speedy conclusion.