HC Deb 21 July 1969 vol 787 c1206
4. Mr. Judd

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will make a statement on recent negotiations with industrial civil servants, including dockyard employees, concerning productivity and pay.

Mrs. Hart

Negotiations are continuing on a pay claim for industrial civil servants. A meeting of the Joint Co-ordinating Committee for Government Industrial Establishments was held on 17th July, but agreement has not yet been reached. Discussions are also being held, on the Shipbuilding Trades Joint Council, with a view to introducing a productivity scheme for the Royal Dockyards.

Mr. Judd

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Is she aware that, whether it is justified or not, there is a widespread feeling, particularly amongst unskilled and semi-skilled workers in the dockyards, that the Government are dragging their feet on producing their side of the bargain to make a success of the proposed productivity agreement?

Mrs. Hart

I am aware that there is an anxiety to reach a conclusion to these discussions as soon as possible. I can certainly assure my hon. Friend that there is no question of the Government dragging their feet. These are rather complex negotiations, and we hope that they will be concluded as early as possible.