§ LORD ORR-EWING asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether they can confirm that agreement has now been reached with the Staff Side of the National Whitley Council on the new arrangements for the premature retirement of civil servants in certain circumstances.
EARL JELLICOEYes, my Lords. Since I outlined the new arrangements and compensation terms in reply to the Noble Lord, Lord Sherfield, on May 12 there have been further discussions with the National Staff Side on a number of points raised by their constituent organisations. These discussions have led to a number of changes in the procedures 374 leading up to premature retirement with the aim of ensuring that they are as fair as possible.
Except in the case of redundancy, the new compensation terms will be introduced in due course under the powers provided in the Superannuation Bill published last Friday. It is proposed to pay compensation in accordance with the new terms, where they are more favourable than present terms, to established staff retired on abolition of office since March 1969 and unestablished staff retired on redundancy since September 1971.
Certain outstanding issues relating to the Diplomatic Service are still under discussion between the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Diplomatic Service Staff Side.
§ House adjourned at twenty-nine minutes before ten o'clock.