HC Deb 08 December 1980 vol 995 cc621-2
38. Mr. Robed Atkins

asked the Paymaster General if he is satisfied with the current state of Government public relations.

Mr. Maude

No Minister in any Government has ever been wholly satisfied with this. But Ministers and Departments are making every effort to explain the Government's policies, and there are clear signs that the message about our essential strategy is getting through.

Mr. Atkins

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the flexibility of the 6 per cent. cash limit is getting across to people? Is he aware that I refer particularly to the local authority employers' offer to the firemen of a two-stage settlement, without affecting the 6 per cent. limit?

Mr. Maude

Yes, I am certain that the message has got through. There is now a more realistic attitude to pay claims and settlements.

Mr. Ioan Evans

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the Granada TV programme "World in Action" about the Rossminster Group and the accusations that have been made against the Secretary of State for Trade, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and the Minister of Agriculture? As that affects the Government's public relations policy, will a statement be made?

Mr. Maude

That matter could not possibly arise out of the original question.