§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the specific nature of the supply contracts carried out by the three contractors interviewed by his officials regarding breaches of the pay limits, as described in the Minister of State's answer to the hon. Member for Melton on 24th June.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerEach of the contractors held a number of public supply contracts, but it would involve a disproportionate expenditure of time and resources to provide details of these.
§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Employment why Command Paper No. 6507 provides no transitional provisions on similar lines to those contained in paragraph 8 of Command Paper No. 6151.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe provisions of paragraph 8 of Cmnd. 6151 were designed to enable certain pre-existing commitments to be implemented on or after 1st August 1975, even where they were in excess of the £6 figure. There is no case for similar transitional provisions on this occasion. But in the few cases where settlements partially implemented before 11th July 1975 provide for increases on or after 1st August 1976 these may be implemented in full but count against the new pay figure.
494W
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Employment how the 12-months rule, as set out in Command Paper No. 6507, applies to those who received more than one increase in the current period.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe White Paper makes clear that for all groups increases within the new limit may be implemented 12 months after the major increase which they received in the current period; this will usually be the anniversary of their normal negotiating date, but where more than one increase has been received it may be necessary to consider the particular circumstances of the case.
§ Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Employment what exceptions are allowed outside the new general pay limit set out in Command Paper No. 6507.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerSince there are no new transitional provisions, and equal pay has in general been achieved, the exceptions are even fewer than under the current £6 policy. Apart from new or improved occupational pension schemes up to the minimum requirements for contracting out under the Social Security Pensions Act 1975, they include any increase that may still be necessary in particular cases to comply with the Equal Pay Act or other legislation and improvements to enhance job security, such as new or improved redundancy payment schemes, guaranteed week provisions and sick pay schemes.
§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Employment what guidance he intends to publish on the interpretation of the pay policy set out in Command Paper No. 6507.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerApart from matters detailed in the White Paper, the interpretation of the policy in particular circumstances will in general be the same as in the current period. The question and answer briefing for negotiators, published last year in my Department's "Employment News", will be accordingly revised and re-issued shortly.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Employment whethr cniesaeser State for Employment whether increases in London weighting or other geographical allowances are allowable outside the pay limit set out in Command Paper No. 6507.
495W
§ Mr. Harold WalkerNo. The White Paper makes clear that any increase in London weighting allowances which may become due on or after 1st August 1976 must be contained within and offset against the new pay limit; those which became due in the previous 12 months can be paid only if contained within and offset against the £6 limit.