HC Deb 18 July 1979 vol 970 cc732-3W
76. Mr. Cryer

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will make a statement on industrial relations in the Civil Service.

Mr. Channon

It will inevitably take some time for Civil Service industrial relations to recover fully from the disputes over this year's non-industrial pay settlement.

On the outstanding dispute over professional and technology grades' pay, we have offered increases varying from 15½ per cent. to 22½ per cent., and I remain convinced that the right course for the IPCS is either to accept the offers or go to arbitration.

Discussions on the basis of a comparability study have started for the pay settlements for industrials.

I shall continue to meet regularly with leaders of unions representing civil servants and to consult them as necessary.

77. Mr. John Hunt

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he has arranged any further meetings with the Institution of Professional Civil Servants in respect of the current dispute over the printing of parliamentary papers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Channon

My right hon. and noble Friend, the Lord President of the Council, and I met representatives of the Institution of Professional Civil Servants yesterday, 17 July.

The IPCS informed us that it had instructed its members to cease any disruptive action affecting the Houses of Parliament. I understand that work at St. Stephen's Parliamentary Press has now been resumed.