HC Deb 09 July 1979 vol 970 cc23-4
47. Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the present pension system for manual workers employed in the Palace of Westminster.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

Industrial civil servants employed at the Palace of Westminster by the Department of the Environment and the Property Services Agency are covered by the principal Civil Service pension scheme, which applies to virtually all established civil servants. Staff in the Refreshment Department of the House do not at present have a pension scheme, but the details of a scheme are currently under negotiation, and I hope to be able to put forward proposals to the House in the near future.

Mr. Cox

I note the latter part of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, but does he agree that under successive Governments the way in which many staff who work here have been treated can only be described as utterly deplorable? In view of the comments that he has made, will the right hon. Gentleman make urgent representations, with the appropriate trade unions, for the introduction of a scheme, and will he in particular bear in mind those who may be retiring within the next year or two and who may not be covered by a new scheme? Does he recognise that their problem is most pressing?

Mr. St. John-Stevas

I am aware of the pressing problem of the group of staff to whom the hon. Gentleman refers. I hope that we can make progress, but it is essential that we have an equitable arrangement which will apply to all.

Mr. Skinner

When is " the near future "?

Mr. St. John-Stevas

I am not in the realm of prophecy—

Mr. Skinner

It was the right hon. Gentleman who said it.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

—I am not in the realm of prophecy, unlike the hon. Gentleman, but I am hopeful that if the objections, which are now really minor, can be overcome, we shall have a settlement by the end of the year.

Mr. David Price

Is my right hon. Friend aware that he has the support of both sides of the House in trying to do right by those who have served us in the House? The fact that they are formally established or non-established civil servants is totally irrelevant.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

I am most grateful. As so often, my hon. Friend has expressed the mind of the whole House.