§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment what discussions have taken place between his Department, the NCB and NUM on the union's proposals for early retirement of miners; if the claim is in breach of the Government's incomes policy; and what he intends to do in the event of the pithead ballot calling for, and resulting in, a miners' strike.
(a) Night Subsistence. Payable for the first 30 nights of each absence. CLASSIFICATION C—(Salary scale maximum not exceeding £2,794) … £9.25 for a 24-hour period B—(Salary scale maximum above £2,794 but below £4,700) … £11.25 for a 24-hour period A(ii)—(Salary scale maximum above £4,700 but below £11,000) … £13.40 for a 24-hour period A(i)—(Salary scale maximum above £11,000) … £17.35 for a 24-hour period
(b) Lodging Allowance. Payable after expiry of first 30 nights of night subsistence. Classification Married (Unaccompanied) Single (Householder) Single (Non-householder) £ £ £ C … … … … 5.35 4.50 3.75 B … … … … 5.35 4.50 3.75 A(ii) … … … … 6.40 4.50 3.75 A (i) … … … … 6.40 4.50 3.75 58W
(c) Day Subsistence. Payable for absences, on official duties, for periods of more than 5 hours or more than 10 hours. £ £ C … … … … 0.80 1.85 B … … … … 0.80 1.85 A(ii) … … … … 1.00 2.15 A(i) … … … … 1.00 2.15
§ Mr. BennI have been asked to reply.
There have been various consultations with the NCB and the NUM. There are a number of factors involved, including cost and current pay policy. I am hopeful that the outcome will be generally satisfactory.