HC Deb 15 February 1978 vol 944 cc284-6W
Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the rate of salary payable to the English civil servants employed in the Province by the Northern Ireland Office showing the rate for each grade separately; and how this compares with the equivalent Home Civil Service rates and Northern Ireland rates.

Mr. Mason

United Kingdom civil servants in Northern Ireland are paid at the same salary rates as their counterparts in England, Scotland and Wales. The salaries of Northern Ireland civil servants are in parity with equivalent grades of the UKCS. Precise rates for the main grades are shown in the Civil Service Pay and Conditions of Service Code, a copy of which is in the Library.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what additional emoluments, apart from basic salary, are payable to English civil servants in the Northern Ireland Office in the Province.

Mr. Mason

No additional emoluments, as distinct from overtime payments, and reimbursement of expenses, in accordance with the regulations, are paid to members of the United Kingdom Civil Service serving in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the name and address of the headquarters of the firm of estate agents who were involved in the purchase of the 51 houses and flats for English civil servants in the Northern Ireland Office.

Mr. Mason

14 different estate agents were involved, on behalf of the various vendors. The Property Services Agency of the Department of the Environment does not employ the services of estate agents in the purchase of houses. It would not be appropriate to publish the names and addresses of agents acting for private clients.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the purchase price of each of the seven properties bought for English civil servants in the Northern Ireland Office which were later sold; and what was the selling price in each case showing, separately, the amount spent on improving the property between the date of purchase and the date of sale and the total cost of maintenance of each property in the same period.

Mr. Mason

The total sum spent on purchase was £153,450. A total of £90,000 was spent on necessary alterations, renovations and maintenance; the greater part of this sum was spent on the properties which were not used primarily for accommodation. The total sum realised by sales in the open market was £221,069. It would not be appropriate to publish details of each of the transactions, since these affect private individuals.