§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received concerning the industrial dispute at the Mersey Dock and Harbour Company; and if she will make a statement. [13991]
§ Mr. Ian McCartney[holding answer 4 November 1997]My Department has received representations about this dispute from trade union organisations, members of the public and the dockers, their representatives and supporters.
The Government's position is that industrial disputes are matters for the parties concerned, with assistance of 298W the independent Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service where both sides agree. It is not for the Government to intervene.