asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the progress of the inquiry into the seamen's strike.

I ask my hon. and learned Friend to await the statement which my right hon. Friend will be making later this afternoon.

While thanking the Minister for the letter he wrote to me last Friday, may I ask my hon. Friend whether she realises that it is of the utmost import- ante to the national economy as well as to the seamen to expedite the settlement of the dispute?

My right hon. Friend is, I repeat, making a statement this afternoon and will be glad to follow up any points that my hon. and learned Friend would like to make.