§ Mr. Marlowasked the Minister for the Civil Service what is the current monthly cost of the Civil Service strike in terms of interest and loss of interest on net moneys not collected; whether the strike is causing her to reduce the Civil Service manpower more rapidly or by a larger number than already indicated; and if not, what means she has of keeping within her cash limits other than by reducing the pay offer already made.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe cost of the delay in collecting revenue is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. We have reduced Civil Service numbers by over 42,000 since we took office and the industrial action has not affected the Government's commitment to reduce the size of the Civil Service to about 630,000 by 183W April 1984. I do not anticipate any difficulty in keeping within my Department's cash limits as a result of the dispute.
§ Mr. Marlowasked the Minister for the Civil Service whether any disciplinary action has been taken against civil servants not carrying out their jobs in the normal manner.
184W
§ Mr. HayhoeNo, but staff not prepared to work normally have been temporarily relieved from duty and are not then paid.