§ 25. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reply he has sent to the letter requesting him to meet representatives of the Civil Service Union in connection with the messengers' pay claim.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftNone, Sir. I am still considering the union's request.
§ Mr. RobinsonDoes not the Chancellor think he is making a mockery of the negotiating machinery by waiting for seven months before referring the pay claim to an outside body? Will he not at any rate reconsider the matter and have the courtesy to reply to the request of the Civil Service Union?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI intend no discourtesy. I understand that the request has come in recently. I am agreeable that I or the Financial Secretary should meet these people.