§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will list the occasions and dates when he or any of his departmental colleagues have met official representatives of the Trades Union Congress at a formal meeting since 21 May 1980 to discuss policy issues, excluding meetings with departmental unions about Whitley conditions; and whether there has been any occasion since that date when he has refused to meet a Trades Union Congress deputation after the congress has officially requested one.
§ Mr. HeseltineI met the TUC local government committee on 11 December 1980 to discuss local authority expenditure in the years 1980–82, and on 31 March 1981 to discuss proposed regulations relating to the superannuation of part-time staff. On no occasion have I declined to meet a deputation from the congress.