Sir Geoffrey Mender:

asked the Minister of Labour what action he is taking with regard to a resolution passed by the shop stewards committee of Henry Meadows, Limited, Wolverhampton, dealing with redundancy, a copy of which has been sent to him.

I have received a copy of the resolution to which the hon. Member refers. This criticises the arrangements for dealing with the release of workers from establishments where production is falling. These arrangements were agreed nationally with both sides of industry and any representations regarding them should be submitted by employers or workers through their appropriate organisations.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not consider calling a conference of representatives of trade unions and shop stewards to discuss the question?

I certainly should not call a conference of shop stewards. I deal only with executives. What is needed in this job is not resolutions from a conference, but prompt action by my Department.

Will the right hon. Gentleman discuss it with the trade union representatives?

I have met the trade union executives and discussed it very fully, and I am working with them on all questions of redundancy.

Are we to understand that in this case no representations have been made through the trade unions concerned?

I cannot answer that question without notice.

Has the executive of the A.E.U. accepted the redundancy proposals?

Yes, everything was done through the T.U.C. representatives.