§ Lord VAIZEYasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why they have not yet fulfilled their promise, made on 9th August, to make an offer to the negotiating parties in the universities in relation to the pay settlement that was due on 1st October 1979; and when such a response is likely to be made.
§ Baroness YOUNGThe pay of university non-clinical teachers is negotiated in two stages: between the Association of106WA University Teachers (AUT) and the University Authorities' Panel in negotiating Committee A; then between Committe A and representatives of the Department of Education and Science in negotiating Committee B. On 9th August last, Committee B received a written report from Committee A which contained a quantified claim from the AUT which was not, however, formally and collectively endorsed by Committee A.
The Department promised to respond as quickly as possible, but made it clear that the university teachers' claim for increased salaries had to be considered in the light of the cash limit imposed on the Exchequer grant to universities, and the Government's plans in general for public expenditure. This is why there has been a delay in response. However, a meeting of Committee B will be arranged as soon as possible.