§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of total work time was lost in disputes at GCHQ in each year since 1979.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweAs a proportion of total time worked, the time lost was not great. But on occasion over 25 per cent. of GCHQ staff were involved and this degree of disruption could have had serious consequences for national security.
§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what funds he receives from third parties towards meeting the cost of staff salaries at GCHQ; and, of these, how much comes, directly or indirectly, from the United States Government;
(2) what services are provided by GCHQ, directly or indirectly, to the United States Government or its agencies; what payment is made for these services; and by whom.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweGCHQ co-operates very closely with the National Security Agency of the United States. It would not be in the national interest to reveal details of this co-operation.
§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what industrial disputes there have been since 1979 involving staff at GCHQ.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweThere was a one-day strike on 23 February 1979 followed by selective action continuing until 2 April 1979.
On 22 June 1979 there was another one-day strike followed by selective action up to and including 25 July.
In September 1979 there was a work to rule and overtime ban by industrial staff.
Between 20 December 1979 and 13 February 1980 there was industrial action in support of a pay dispute by station radio officers.
On 14 May 1980, GCHQ staff were involved in the TUC day of action.
On 27 November 1980 there was a protest meeting against the cancellation of the pay research unit.
On 9 March 1981 there was a one-day strike followed by various forms of industrial action until 14 April 1981.
Between 10 June 1982 and 26 October 1982 there was an overtime ban by staff at an overseas station.