(1) Where a trade dispute has been reported to the Director General under section 18 (1) or where the Director General has taken steps under subsection (3) of that section, the party reporting the dispute and, if directed to do so by the Director General, the other party shall furnish to the Director General within such period as may be specified in the direction all the necessary information relating to the matters in dispute, together with, wherever possible and appropriate, an agreed statement setting out the points, if any, on which they have already reached agreement and the points on which there is still disagreement.
(2) The Director General may, if he deems it necessary or expedient, direct any person engaged in or connected directly or indirectly with the trade dispute in respect of which steps have been taken under section 18 to attend a conference to be presided over by the Director General or such person as he may appoint at such time and place as may be specified in the direction.