§ 24. Mr. Hooleyasked the Minister for the Civil Service what recent discussions have been held with the unions concerned about the mobility of civil servants within England and Wales.
§ The Minister of State, Civil Service Department (Mr. Charles R. Morris)It was agreed in 1972 that all civil servants of the grade of executive officer and above, and some below that level, have an obligation to be posted anywhere in the United Kingdom. Negotiations have continued with the National Staff Side on a few grades whose position was not clearly determined at that time.
§ Mr. HooleyIs my hon. Friend satisfied that those civil servants who have strong personal or family reasons for getting out of London and going home, for example, to Sheffield will be permitted to do so? Is he satisfied with the general flexibility of the arrangements for the deployment of civil servants?
§ Mr. MorrisThe flexibility of the arrangements has been discussed and agreed with the National Staff Side. As Minister responsible, I shall at all times be prepared to consider individual cases of hardship.
§ Mr. Ian LloydHow can civil servants be mobile if they cannot safely let their houses or obtain rented accommodation in areas to which they are posted?
§ Mr. MorrisAssistance with housing accommodation is available and arrangements are made with the Civil Service Department.