§ 17. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will now make a statement on his review of Government scientists' pay in the light of the report of the Pay Board.
§ Mr. FootThe pay of Civil Service scientists is first of all a matter for my 931 right hon. Friend the Minister for the Civil Service, although, of course, general issues of pay policy are involved. The Civil Service Department and the Institution of Professional Civil Servants are now giving urgent consideration to the action to be taken on the recommendations made in the Pay Board's report.
§ Mr. DalyellDo the Government agree with the view of the Institution of Professional Civil Servants that the scientists are two notches behind the rest of the civil servants?
§ Mr. FootI should not like to agree with that proposition without first seeing the results of the discussions that are taking place, but I hope, with my hon. Friend, that the matter may be dealt with speedily.
§ Mr. NeaveDoes the right hon. Gentleman not agree that Government scientists have had a raw deal and that a settlement is urgently required as many of them are in serious financial difficulties?
§ Mr. FootThe hon. Gentleman put the scientists' case to me, and he put it very well, as everyone will understand; but others, too, have put their cases to me. I listened to the case that was put, but I had to say that we should await the report. I agree with the hon. Gentleman that Government scientists have had a raw deal, but so have many other people.