HL Deb 04 December 1986 vol 482 cc973-4WA
Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What has been the outcome of their endeavours to persuade J. E. Hanger to rescind the dismissal of their workforce at Roehampton and whether it is the case that the employees and their families and artificial limb wearers and other patients are suffering as the result of the employer's behaviour.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Baroness Trumpington)

The outcome of the Government's endeavours was reported in another place on 26th November (House of CommonsHansard, cols. 327–333). Discussions between the two parties concerned, the management of the company and a part of its workforce, took place at ACAS on 7th November, 18th November and 25th November. Some progress has been made and as a result a further meeting will be held on 3rd December 1986. The Government have urged both sides in this dispute to continue to meet and talk until they reach a settlement.

The bulk of the Artificial Limb and Appliance Service is functioning normally and we are continuing to identify those patients who may have been affected by the dispute so that they may be given priority treatment. I would emphasise once again that any patients who are in need of attention should contact their local Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre (ALAC) in the usual way.