HC Deb 09 April 1981 vol 2 cc309-10W
Dr. Glyn

asked the Minister for the Civil Service for what reason permission was granted for the Institution of Professional Civil Servants to hold branch meetings in Government-paid time to decide by show of hands whether or not to strike; and whether this is normal practice.

Mr. Hayhoe

Permission was given for the Institution of Professional Civil Servants to hold a series of members' meetings between 9 and 20 February 1981. These comprised general meetings at which representatives of the institution's national executive committee passed on information about progress of pay negotiations, and consultative meetings at which members were asked to take decisions. Management wanted to ensure that the meetings were as fully representative as possible, and decided, in line with previous practice, to allow the meetings to be held in working time on official premises.

Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if any request has been made to the Civil Service unions inviting them to organise a ballot of their members on the Government's pay offer.

Mr. Hayhoe

No.

Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Minister for the Civil Service how many civil servants have been suspended without pay since the start of the current pay dispute.

Mr. Hayhoe

Up to and including 7 April, 96 non-industrial civil servants had been temporarily relieved from duty during the current industrial action for refusing to carry out duties required of them. They are not at work and are not being paid. In temporarily removing them from duty, it was made clear that they are free to return to work immediately just as soon as they are ready to work normally.

Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Minister for the Civil Service how many representations have been received from civil servants and others in favour of accepting the increase in pay proposed by the Government.

Mr. Hayhoe

The Government have received a number of letters from members of the public, and from civil servants themselves, supporting the offer of a 7 per cent. pay increase for the Civil Service.

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