the new Trade Disputes Board will be made within days.

Labour Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman last night met with members of the Labour Advisory Council to decide whether the dispute over 15 truckers who lost their jobs should go before the new board.

The Minister said he had yet to communicate the meeting's outcome to the two sides involved -- the Bermuda Industrial Union and the Bermuda Forwarders.

"It was a very positive meeting,'' he said. "We're taking it from there. But I have to say it would be inappropriate for me to comment to the public at this time.'' Bermuda Forwarders lawyer Mr. Alan Dunch has said it will not go before thea board, which Government is creating especially to deal with intractable conflicts. BIU president Mr. Ottiwell Simmons has said it is not in favour of the courts settling the dispute.

Mr. Pearman said the decision would be made public by Monday at the latest.