§ 69. Mr. KELLYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that cases have recently occurred in which the negotiating machinery set up within the Civil Service for the discussion and settlement of administrative issues has not been used; and whether it is proposed to continue to use this machinery in the future as in the past
§ Major ELLIOTI am not aware of the cases which the hon. Member has in mind, but I have no reason to believe that the fullest practicable use is not made of the negotiating machinery in the Civil Service for the discussion of matters affecting the conditions of service of the staff.
§ Mr. KELLYIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a circular was issued by the Controller of Establishments last Friday intimating reductions in certain sections without even a word in the direction of negotiations? If he is not aware of it, is he prepared to go into it and see that negotiations take place with a view to not enforcing such a reduction?
§ Major ELLIOTIf the hon. Member will communicate to me the number of the circular that he has in mind and the action taken on it, I shall be glad to read the relevant papers.
§ Mr. W. J. BROWNIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware—[Interruption.]
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member would get on quicker if hon. Members would allow him.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Prime Minister.