§ Mr. Rookerasked the Minister for the Civil Service why he gave instructions to the management side of the Community Relations Commission not to attend a meeting held under the auspices of ACAS during a recent salary dispute.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisI have given no such instructions. I understand that when the meeting was suggested the normal procedure for dealing with this claim—which included the opportunity for reference to anad hoc arbitration tribunal—had not been completed. I am pleased to say that the pay offer made by the management side was subsequently accepted.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will make a statement on his policy concerning the involvement of ACAS with grant aided bodies whose staff are paid on Civil Service scales.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisThis would be a matter for the grant-aided body and, where appropriate, the sponsor Department. If, however, a body operates by analogy with Civil Service procedures, which include provision for arbitration, advice would be given, if it were asked for, as to the way those procedures operate in the Civil Service.