§ Mr. Chapmanasked the Minister for the Civil Service whether the staff side of the National Whitley Council have now reached agreement with his Department on the new arrangements for the premature retirement of civil servants in certain circumstances.
§ Mr. David Howell:Yes. Since I outlined the new arrangements and compensation terms in reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for Bedfordshire, South (Mr. Madel) on 12th May, there have been further discussions with the National Staff Side on a number of points raised by their constituent organisations. These discussions have led to a number of changes in the procedures leading up to premature retirement with the aim of ensuring that they are as fair as possible.
Except in the case of redundancy, the new compensation terms will be introduced in due course under the powers provided in the Superannuation Bill published last Friday. It is proposed to pay compensation in accordance with the new terms, where they are more favourable than present terms, to established staff retired on abolition of office since 130W March, 1969, and unestablished staff retired on redundancy since September, 1971.
Certain outstanding issues relating to the Diplomatic Service are still under discussion between the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Diplomatic Service Staff Side.—[Vol. 817, c. 120-3.]