§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will list the occasions and dates since 21 May 1980 when he or any of his departmental colleagues have met official representatives of the Trades Union Congress at a formal meeting to discuss policy issues, excluding meetings with departmental unions about Whitley conditions; and whether there has been any occasion when he has refused to meet a Trades Union Congress deputation after the congress has officially requested one.
§ Mr. Mark CarlisleMy noble Friend the Minister of State and my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Arts met official representatives of the Trades Union Congress on 22 July 1980 and 2 June 1981 respectively. In June 1980 my noble Friend declined a request from the TUC South-East regional council for a meeting to discuss the Government's study of local government arrangements for education in inner London. In view of the need for an early conclusion, this study was conducted entirely on the basis of written evidence. On no other occasion have I or my colleagues refused a request for a meeting.