HC Deb 07 November 1979 vol 973 cc402-3
73. Mr. Peter Lloyd

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what steps have been taken to resolve the pay dispute with the professional and technical civil servants.

Mr. Channon

An initial hearing of the Civil Service Arbitration Tribunal took place on 25 and 26 September. After receiving the tribunal's opinion, I met representatives of the institution on 18 October. Detailed negotiations are now in progress at official level and a fully considered response to the IPCS's latest representations has just been made.

Mr. Lloyd

I congratulate my hon. Friend and the IPCS negotiators on making some progress in a dispute which has had more than its fair share of disagreement on the fundamental principles on which a settlement should be made. My hon. Friend referred to the advisory opinion of the tribunal. Can he now give an assurance that, if it is agreed that the dispute will be referred back to the tribunal for final adjudication, the tribunal will be able to take into consideration evidence from earlier settlements which gave awards well above the median?

Mr. Channon

The tribunal will be able to consider any evidence that the IPCS or the official side cares to put before it.