§ Mr. Batisteasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will adjust the territorial boundaries of the regional offices of industrial tribunals so as to make their work load more nearly equal.
§ Mr. GummerThe territorial boundaries of the regional offices are kept under constant review. We have been informed by the president of the industrial tribunals (England and Wales) that the areas covered by the Bristol and Exeter regional offices are to be combined into one region.
§ Ms. Harmanasked the Secretary of State for Employment to what factors he attributes the drop in the number of applications to industrial tribunals under the Equal Pay Act from 1,742 in 1976 to 39 in 1982.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkIt is not possible to say why the number of applications under the Equal Pay Act completed by industrial tribunals declined from 1742 in 1976 to 39 in 1982. There has been a decrease each year since the Act has been in operation. It is to be hoped that the latest figure reflects greater compliance with the Act, as its terms have become better known.