H.M. DOCKYARD LABOUR DISPUTE

Inche Ahmad Bin Ibrahim asked the Minister for Labour and Welfare whether the Government has sought to bring about a settlement of the dispute between the Naval Base Labour Union and the Management of H.M. Dockyard over the discharge of 16 workmen from service so as to avert a strike in the H.M. Dockyard.

Mr Lim Yew Hock: Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer is yes. Officers of my Ministry have been following the situation in the dispute and have satisfied themselves that the parties were meeting and gradually approaching a settlement of the issue by mutual agreement. As reported in the Press, however, a deadlock has now been reached. My officers are pursuing their efforts to bring about an amicable settlement.