§ 52. Mr. BANFIELDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that discontent exists in the Civil Service at the slowness with which matters affecting the staff are dealt with by the Treasury and Government Departments generally; and whether he will cause instructions to be given to the establishments division of the Treasury and the establishment officers of Departments that such matters shall be treated with reasonable promptness and despatch?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. W. S. Morrison)I do not agree that there is delay on the part either of the Treasury or of Government Departments generally in dealing with staff matters. I see no need, therefore, for the issue of instructions as suggested in the last part of the question.
§ Mr. BANFIELDSurely the hon. and learned Gentleman is aware that there is discontent that the grievances are not remedied, and will he do his best to see that arbitration proceedings are started as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. MORRISONAs I said in my original answer, I have not been able to discover any cases of undue delay on the part of the Treasury or any Government Departments. If the hon. Member has a specific case in mind, I hope he will bring it to my notice.