§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in considering the salary claim of veterinarians in the State service ; if he will ensure that the claim is settled on the basis of equality of treatment with administrators and executives who have recently had salary awards ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe pay of the veterinary staff has for some years been linked with that of the Science Group of the Civil Service. The basis on which the pay of the Science Group should be determined has been referred to the Pay Board for consideration. When the Pay Board produces its report, discussions will take place between the Civil Service Department and the Institution of Professional Civil Servants, having regard to the board's recommendations and to the counter-inflation policy. Any consequential settlement for the veterinary officers must await a settlement for the Science Group. There is an outstanding claim by the IPCS for improving the level of linkage between the veterinary grades and the scientific grades. The question whether this and other similar claims can be implemented during the present stage of the counter-inflation policy is under discussion between the Civil Service Department and the National Staff Side.