HC Deb 01 March 1922 vol 151 cc414-5W
Mr. GILBERT

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Government propose to abolish the Civil Service Arbitration Board; whether the Whitley Council system will be made applicable to civil servants whose basic salaries exceed £500 a year; and whether the Government propose to institute an inquiry, as recommended in the Fourth Report of the Macdonnell Commission on the Civil Service of 2nd April, 1914, in regard to the rights and duties of civil servants?

Mr. YOUNG

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for Rushcliffe (Mr. Betterton) on the 22nd ultimo As regards the second part, it has already been decided that the grading and remuneration of posts carrying salaries in excess of £500 a year cannot be made the subject of discussion at the National Whitley Council; and it is not proposed to vary this arrangement. As regards the third part, the position since the Macdonnell Commission made the recommendation in para. 25 of Chapter XI of their Fourth Report has been entirely changed by the institution of Whitley Councils in the Civil Service, and in the circumstances it is not proposed to hold the comprehensive inquiry which the Commission suggested.

Captain TERRELL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the principle upon which he proposes to add certain Members of Parliament to the official side of the National Whitley Council; and whether this council will take over the work of the Civil Service Arbitration Board?

Mr. YOUNG

Under the proposal in question the Members of Parliament who agree to serve on the official side of the National Whitley Council will definitely accept the position of forming part of that side. The official side is responsible to Ministers, and exercises such authority and responsibility as may be delegated to it by the Chancellor of the Exchequer at his discretion. As to the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my answer given to a question addressed to me by the hon. Member for Rushcliffe (Mr. Betterton) on the 22nd February last.