HC Deb 10 December 1970 vol 808 cc169-70W
Mr. Judd

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a progress report on negotiations for a productivity agreement for civilian employees in Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Workshops.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

Productivity agreements have already bene negotiated in 10 static workshops of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the United Kingdom. Negotiations are currently in progress at two more static workshops, and proposals for discussion at three other workshops are under examination. Preliminary talks are also taking place at other workshops.

Mr. Judd

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will review the effectiveness and acceptability of the Craftsmen Grade 1 and Grade 2 Scheme as applied in Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Workshops; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

The Craftsmen Grade 1 and 2 Scheme in R.E.M.E. and in all other Government establishments is being superseded following one of the recommendations of the National Board for Prices and Incomes Report No. 146 (Cmnd. 4351).

The new scheme of allowances is intended to reflect more closely the levels of special skills, experience, responsibility and working conditions in the industrial Civil Service.