§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in the light of the industrial unrest affecting Whitehall's official chauffeurs over their wage scales, what action he has taken or intends taking to resolve this dispute.
444W
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisI have been asked to reply.
The trade union side of the Joint Coordinating Committee for Government Industrial Establishments has rejected a pay offer amounting to 10 per cent. The official side made it clear that although the 1978 settlement had to be contained within 10 per cent., discussion could take place on the content of the offer. However the trade union side was not prepared to discuss the matter other than to reiterate the original pay claim.