§ Mr. Bruceasked the Secretary of State for Transport from which date he expects to implement the new pay structure for lighthouse keepers that was agreed between the union and employers.
§ Mr. David MitchellI assume the hon. Member is referring to the structure on which agreement was reached in 1982 between the Northern Lighthouse Board and the Transport and General Workers Union. On 31 August 1983 I told the chairman of the board that I had no objection in principle to these restructuring proposals, but that I could accept their costs only to the extent that they could be accommodated within the then existing light-keepers' pay and allowances bill. The matter rests there, but my offer remains open.