§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will employ, on a temporary basis, qualified computer operators who are not members of the Civil Service unions to keep computerised tax collection centres working normally during the current Civil Service pay dispute.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweSpecialist computer operators form only a small proportion of the total staff required to 185W keep the computerised tax collection centres operational. The present alternative arrangements have so far resulted in payment to the Exchequer of a substantial proportion of the revenue falling due; the present position would not necessarily be improved by attempts to employ clerical specialist staff with no directly relevant experience on the scale which would be required.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now give his best estimate of the effect so far of the Civil Service pay dispute on the Government's income.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweI shall let the right hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible