asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on negotiations for industrial technician grade for laboratory mechanics in naval establishments.

Agreement has been reached between the Official and Trade Union Sides of the Joint Co-ordinating Committee for Government Industrial Establishments (the J.C.C.) to the introduction of the grade of Industrial Technician as part of a new craft allowance structure. An examination of proposals for the use of the grade in a wide range of establishments is currently taking place. These include Naval establishments employing Laboratory Mechanics. Decisions on the proposals will be made as soon as possible.