§ 42. Dame Irene Wardasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to give an answer to the staff side on their representations through the official side on the deteriorating position of public and local government servants covered by the Pensions (Increases) Act.
§ Dame Irene WardIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that in the staff letter to the official side there is reference to a pledge given by the Prime Minister at Brighton? If the staff side—and a lot of other people—think there was a pledge to the people on small fixed incomes, would he be so kind as to instruct the official side to redeem the Prime Minister's pledge?
§ Mr. SimonI have seen the letter written by the staff side, but I do not think that it would be appropriate for me to comment on it, pending the outcome of negotiations.