HC Deb 13 December 1976 vol 922 cc511-2W
Mr. Spearing

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will make a statement concerning industrial relations within HMSO with particular reference to its warehousing services.

Mr. Charles R. Morris

There are no problems at this moment in the presses and binderies of HMSO or in eight of the HMSO warehouses. However, SOGAT members employed at the Wembley and Alperton warehouses are refusing to honour the terms of a house agreement providing for flexible working between one job or section and another. As a result the throughput at these warehouses has been very seriously disrupted since October. After due warning HMSO told officials of the union that from 26th October the staff concerned would not be paid until flexible working was restored. A conciliation meeting took place on 24th November 1976 under the aegis of ACAS. No agreement was reached and the meeting was temporarily adjourned.

At present it does not seem that the work of either House or of Government Departments is greatly affected; but I am keeping the situation under close review.

conformity with these arrangements, the annual leave allowance of inspectors and collectors of taxes are currently as follows: