§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to resolve the current dispute in the benefit office in Caerphilly, Mid Glamorgan; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LyellThe dispute at Caerphilly has involved some 40 members of the Civil and Public Services Association 141W Who have been on strike since mid-December. The office has continued to pay benefits and has maintained some daily facilities for public callers.
Throughout the dispute local management have met frequently with representatives of the strikers in attempts to settle the issue. Talks have also been held with the union at regional level.
Management have recently made an offer which they consider to be a fair and reasonable basis for bringing the strike to an end. The union has discussed the offer with its Caerphilly members and have subsequently asked for further talks with regional management.