§ Mr. Neubertasked the Minister for the Civil Service whether, in view of the serious effects on trade through the port of Felixstowe and the livelihoods of those engaged in this trade, he will take action to end the current work-to-rule by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise.
451W
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisThis work-to-rule forms part of the industrial action which is being taken by the Society of Civil Servants and the Civil and Public Services Association in pursuit of a national pay dispute. This action is contrary to the spirit of the joint statement by the Government and the TUC, and has been taken before substantive negotiations have begun. I refer the hon. Member to my written answer of today's date to the hon. Member for Bedwellty (Mr. Kinnock) which describes the assurances the Government have given about the implementation of the next Civil Service pay settlement. Processing of pay research evidence to determine the amount of that settlement is proceeding with all possible speed.