asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on his conference with the employers' representatives concerning the building operatives' claim for a wage increase of 9d. per hour; and if the deadlock has been resolved.

I am in close touch with the parties but I should prefer not to make any statement at present.

Without wishing to embarrass the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask him whether he will be able to make a statement shortly?

I am, in fact, meeting both parties on Thursday of this week. I hope that the result will be such as to enable me to make a statement.