HC Deb 18 December 1997 vol 303 cc304-5W
22. Mr. Khabra

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received on the current dispute between Barclays bank and its staff; and if she will make a statement. [19891]

28. Mr. Moran

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received on the current dispute between Barclays bank and its staff. [19898]

Mr. Ian McCartney

My Department has received a number of representations about this dispute. These have included representations from the Banking Insurance and Finance Union, UN/FI, a member of Barclays bank staff and Members of this House. ACAS stands ready to assist but can only become involved if both sides agrees.

27. Mr. Coleman

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will invite the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service to use its conciliation services in the Barclays bank dispute. [19897]

Mr. Ian McCartney

ACAS is an independent body and the Government cannot and should not direct it to act in any particular way. ACAS of course stands ready to assist but can become involved in talks only where both sides agree.

Mr. Khabra

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will request ACAS to invite Barclays Bank and the unions representing Barclays staff to use its conciliation services to help resolve the current dispute; and if she will make a statement. [19799]

Mr. Ian McCartney

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle) on 9 December 1997,Official Report, column 529.