§ 27. Mr. EDEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered the report of a discussion at the South Shields County Borough Council, which has been submitted to him, on the rate of pay of civilian telephone operators at the borough police headquarters; what is the maximum rate fixed by his Department for such work; if he is aware that the proposed rate is substantially below the standard rate for the area; and if he will take such action as will indicate that he is prepared to recognise the payment of the local standard rate in any claim for grant from the police authority?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)Yes, Sir; but my right hon. Friend sees no reason why he should not agree to the proposed rate of pay submitted to him by the responsible local authority. The work done by civilians employed in different police offices varies; my Department have not had occasion to fix any maximum rate of pay, and I know of no standard rate applicable to this particular ease.
§ Mr. EDEIf it can be established that there is a standard rate for this area, will the hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter?