Not Barbara's business
Page 27
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from our industrial correspondent • Mrs. Barbara Castle, Minister of Employment and Productivity, was urged this week to intervene in the Liverpool bus strike.
A letter to Mrs. Castle from two Merseyside MPs—Mr. Eric Heifer (Lab, Walton) and Mr. Simon Mahon (Lab, Bootle)—suggested three alternative forms of action:—
ONE: She should give an assurance that if the negotiated 23s rise were paid by Liverpool Council despite the reference to the Prices and Incomes Board, it would not be subjected to a "freeze" Order.
TWO: She could establish an inquiry, headed by ''a so-called trouble-shooter" who could be sent to Liverpool with the object of getting an interim statement.
THREE: Alternatively. says the letter, Mrs. Castle could ask the general secretaries of the two unions—Mr. Frank Cousins (TGWU) and Lord Cooper (General and Municipal Workers)—to meet her to discuss the situation.
On Tuesday Mr. Hattersley. Parliamentary Secretary. Ministry of Labour, said in the Commons that it would not be appropriate for Mrs. Castle to intervene or to appoint an independent inquiry.