HC Deb 17 July 1989 vol 157 cc17-8
55. Mr. Harry Barnes

To ask the Minister for the Civil Service when he last met representatives of the Civil Service unions; and what subjects were discussed.

Mr. Luce

I met members of the Council of Civil Service Unions on 27 June to discuss the future of the Civil Service Commission.

Mr. Barnes

Has there been any discussion about the freezing of the mileage allowance over the past two years, which seems a particularly mean-minded approach to the Civil Service? Have there been any consultations about shifting the Civil Service Commission to agency status, or is that, too, to be done without consultation? Should not the Government at least adopt a policy of no annihilation without consultation?

Mr. Luce

The hon. Gentleman's first question is principally for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I have already announced on behalf of the Government that, except for high grades, more recruitment can be done by Government Departments and that a Government agency is to be established which can recruit on a competitive basis for all levels and grades within the service and for all Departments. I have already had discussions with trade union leaders about that. It will lead to an improved service and an even more effective way of recruiting the best people.

Dr. Marek

A few weeks ago, staff at passport offices had to take industrial action to make the point that the service provided by the Government was not properly staffed. The Prime Minister said that the civil servants could not care a damn. What is the Minister's view?

Mr. Luce

The hon. Gentleman knows that there has been an increase in the number of civil servants at the passport office. Incidentally, he should note that the passport office is a candidate to become a Government agency, where targets can be established to provide the best possible performance, including performance to the public. That is an important part of the reforms announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in February last year, which are designed to improve the service to the public.