Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will now announce the results of the review of the complementing system in the Department's offices in Erdington, other areas of Birmingham and elsewhere; what plans he has for consultation with trade unions concerned; and what time scale he envisages for implementing the review.
§ Mr. NewtonThe review of the complementing system used in DHSS local offices is still continuing and is being conducted jointly with the trade unions. The first report, referred to in my reply to the hon. Member on 21 July—[Vol. 46, c.210]—has been completed and has been widely disseminated within DHSS and explained and discussed in trades union circulars. The recommendations contained in these reports are now being pursued. The eventual report covering all the stages of the review will, of course, be sent to the trades unions and will be an open document. It is hoped to complete it by about the turn of the year.