§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will make a statement giving full details of the effects on Government services of the industrial action being taken by the Civil Service unions; and what action he has taken or intends taking to restore normality to these services.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisThe selective industrial action by two of the nine Civil Service unions is now in its fourth week, and inevitably this is affecting some Government services. The main effects have been delays in the payment of contractors' bills, grants and subsidies, suspension of VAT repayments and interference with services to commerce and industry. There612W has also been serious interference with the operation of the Scottish courts. For the time being the encashment of savings certificates and premium bonds has ceased. I much regret the delays being caused, but I can assure my hon. Friend that wherever possible arrangements have been introduced to reduce inconvenience and ensure that cases of hardship are dealt with.
If my hon. Friend requires specific details of the effects, I suggest that he asks the Minister responsible for the services in question.
Once the industrial action has ceased, every effort will be made to return to normal working as quickly as possible.