§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what assessment he has made of the effect of the industrial action by local registrars on the production of birth and mortality statistics for 1981 by the Office of Population, Censuses and Surveys; what action he is taking to settle the dispute; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinThe industrial action which is being taken by some registrars is likely to delay the production of the birth and mortality statistics for 1981. The dispute, which arises from a claim for regrading, is between the registrars and the local authorities by whom their salaries are paid. Neither I nor the Registrar General is party to the negotiations.