asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will intervene to assist in resolving the industrial dispute at Brain Haulage, Essex, in which the first phase of redundancies will begin to operate by 1st March.

I understand from the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service that 38 drivers are being temporarily laid off from today in consequence of the difficulties involving registered dock workers in the London area which are currently being examined by an independent panel of inquiry.