Crown Agents Act 1979

15 (1) Except so far as they are satisfied that adequate machinery exists for achieving the purposes mentioned in sub-paragraph (2), it shall be the duty of the Crown Agents to consult any organisation appearing to them to be appropriate with a view to the conclusion between the Crown Agents and that organisation of such agreements as appear to the parties to be desirable with respect to the establishment and maintenance of machinery for the purposes mentioned in that sub-paragraph.

(2) Those purposes are—

(a) the settlement by negotiation of terms and conditions of employment of persons employed by the Crown Agents and their wholly owned subsidiaries ;

(b) the resolution of trade disputes, within the meaning of the [1974 c. 52.] Trade Union and Labour Relations Act 1974 ;

(c) the promotion and encouragement of measures affecting efficiency, in any respect, in the carrying on of their activities by the Crown Agents and their wholly owned subsidiaries ; and

(d) the discussion of other matters of mutual interest to the parties to the agreements.