§ 69. Mr. KirkhopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many industrial disputes have been referred to the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NichollsInformation on the number and types of conciliation cases dealt with by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service is published in its annual report. In 1988 the service received a total of 1,163 requests for conciliation. In over 80 per cent. of the cases no industrial action took place. It is entirely for the parties concerned to decide whether they wish to seek the assistance of ACAS in settling disputes.