§ 30. Mr. Fletcher-Cookeasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he has studied the proposals of the Civil Service Clerical Association, a copy of which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Darwen, for the reorganisation of the work of the clerical grade and a consequent modification in pay; and what plans he has for such reorganisation.
§ Sir E. BoyleI would refer my hon. Friend to the Written reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Arundel and Shoreham (Captain Kerby) on 8th November.
§ Mr. Fletcher-CookeDoes not my hon. Friend agree that it is very important to encourage the leaders of trade unions, as of this trade union, to put forward schemes for the efficiency of the work of their members and that his reply was not very forthcoming in that matter?
§ Sir E. BoyleThe point is simply that in this case a major reorganisation is being proposed and the Treasury obviously has to consider not only whether the association's scheme would in fact secure a more economical use of staff, but whether it is practicable, its effect on the wages bill, recruitment, establishment and a number of other things. I am sorry not to have appeared to be more forthcoming, but we are very keen to examine this matter carefully before coming to any final decision.