§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Prime Minister how the figure of 2.3 per cent. for the increased value arising from Civil Service incremental scales is accommodated within cash limits.
§ The Prime MinisterThe 2.3 per cent. is the average value for an increment as a percentage of average non-industrial Civil Service pay. Over time, the use of incremental scales for paying civil servants has produced no net addition to the pay bill. In the short term, minor variations occur, reflecting the changing patterns of recruitment, retention and wastage in the Civil Service. For 1981–82, the net cost is estimated to be 0.5 per cent. of the non-industrial pay bill. This has been taken into account in setting the cash limits, and in framing the 7 per cent. offer.