§ Mr. Messerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, in certain provincial offices of his Department, the rates of pay agreed upon between the Government and the Civil Service trade unions are being withheld; and whether he will cause instructions to be issued to all food executive officers that all relevant agreements between the Government and trade unions are to be honoured?
§ Mr. BoothbyYes, Sir. There have been discussions with the staff interests concerned respecting the rates of pay at certain food offices where those adopted by the local authority, which have set the standard for the food office staff, are below the general Treasury rates. It is hoped that circumstances will permit of the resumption of these discussions in the course of a few weeks.