§ 19 and 20. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what action he intends to 333 take in the matter of the salary claim of university technicians;
(2) what steps he is taking to encourage the universities to undertake adequate negotiations with the trade unions on the revaluation claim for technicians which the unions submitted in March and on which the universities had undertaken to negotiate.
§ Mr. CroslandI am anxious to see an amicable settlement of the pay claim for university laboratory technicians, which will provide a fair result in line with the Government's prices and incomes policy. But I do not think that it would be appropriate for me to intervene at present.
§ Mr. AllaunSince one of the universities has stated that the delay has resulted from the Ministry wanting longer to consider the claim, can my right hon. Friend now state what his own attitude is, particularly as many of these highly skilled technicians are receiving £12 2s. a week, before stoppages, when they could be earning far more than that packing cornflakes?
§ Mr. CroslandNo, Sir. I should not like to state what my position is because, as Minister, I do not have any part in these negotiations. They are negotiations between the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and the unions.
§ Mr. HoggIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the adequacy of the negotiating machinery in this particular dispute?
§ Mr. CroslandI should prefer not to make a comment on that. I am perfectly well aware that the union—the Association of Scientific Workers—has some very strong complaint against the machinery, as well as against the offer made to them on 24th August by the Vice-Chancellors, but while the matter is to so large a degree sub judice I would prefer not to be drawn further.