HC Deb 16 July 1979 vol 970 cc418-9W
Mrs. Fenner

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he has replied to the Institution of Professional Civil Servants letter of 4 July regarding the advice of a third party in the present pay dispute of the professional and technical officer grades.

Mr. Channon

The letter was addressed to the head of the Home Civil Service, Sir Ian Bancroft. A reply has been sent by him today.

Mrs. Fenner

asked the Minister for the Civil Service when he last met the representatives of the professional and technical officer grades in the Institution of Professional Civil Servants; and if he will make a statement on the offer placed before them.

Mr. Channon

I last met representatives from the IPCS to discuss professional and technology group pay on Thursday 28 June. The offer which has seen made for these grades is based on evidence from the Pay Research Unit interpreted in exactly the same way as hat for other grades in the Civil Service. It is my aim that all civil servants should be treated equally and fairly, and this offer does just that. I hope that on reflection the IPCS will accept the offer; if not I urge it to refer its claim to the independent Civil Service arbitration tribunal, whose findings the Government will accept.

My right hon. and noble Friend the Lord President of the Council and I are to meet the IPCS on Friday 20 July.