§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the techniques used to resolve conflict within his Department and the circumstances in which each is used. [90548]
§ Mr. MealeThe Department's Complaints and Grievances Procedures provide for the resolution of disputes through informal local discussion between the parties or through formal independent investigation. Disputes over appraisal assessments are settled through local discussions or a review by a senior officer. The industrial relations practices and procedures in the Department are designed to enable management and the Trades Unions to endeavour to resolve difficulties through consultation and negotiation.