HC Deb 06 November 1978 vol 957 cc24-5W
39. Mr. Litterick

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what representations he has received from Civil Service trade unions during the last three months on the matter of Civil Service pay.

Mr. Charles R. Morris

My officials are in frequent contact with the Civil Service trade unions, and in recent months have had a number of discussions with them on issues relating to Civil Service pay. The parties are currently awaiting the reports from the Civil Service Pay Research Unit which will provide evidence for a pay settlement from 1st April 1979.

45. Mr. Blaker

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will make a statement about Civil Service pay.

Mr. Charles R. Morris

I have little to add to my statements of 21st November 1977 and 15th May 1978 about the reactivation of the Civil Service Pay Research Unit. I understand that the first survey reports from the unit will be delivered shortly and these will provide the basis for the negotiations leading to the pay settlement from 1st April 1979, which will be subject, as in the past, to the provisions of national pay policy.

46. Mr. Tim Smith

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what consultations he has had with trades union representatives about Civil Service pay.

Mr. Charles R. Morris

I refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave earlier today to the Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Mr. Litterick).

Mr. Grylls

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will make a statement of policy towards the Priestley Royal Commission proposals for fair comparison between the pay of the Civil Service and that of its private sector counterparts.

Mr. Charles R. Morris

The Government remain committed to the reactivation of the Pay Research Unit which, in line with the Priestley Royal Commission proposals, is currently collecting evidence about the pay of civil servants' outside counterparts upon which negotiations leading to a settlement from 1st April 1979 will be based, subject to the provisions of national pay policy.