§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Basildon on 22 October,Official Report, c. 225, whether a press statement was issued by his Department in respect of his decision to grant departmental recognition to the Immigration Service Union; what were the reasons for the delay in reaching this decision; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitelawNo press statement was issued, but all the parties concerned were informed on 30 September. I deferred a decision on the claim for departmental recognition pending the outcome of the Immigration Service Union's application to the Certification Office for Trade Unions and employers' associations for a certificate of independence under the Employment Protection Act 1975.