§ 59. Mr. Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt by members of the Prison Officers' Association at the delay in settling a pay claim made by the Association on 31st October last; and if he will take steps to ensure that negotiations are conducted at a reasonable pace.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerYes. I am sorry that on this occasion the negotiations have been somewhat protracted. This 83W was largely due to the decision of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself to appoint a Departmental Committee to review not only the pay but all other conditions of service of the staffs concerned. Meanwhile negotiations have been proceeding on an interim offer of a 3 per cent. increase of pay on purely economic grounds, on which the Prison Officers' Association have now received a final offer from the Prison Commissioners.