§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what pay offer has been made by the management side of the Whitley council for ambulancemen; and what is the maximum increase in money terms which would be payable in accordance with the Government's guidelines for the public sector.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinFollowing rejection by the staff side of offers providing a flat rate increase in all basic rates, the management side of the ambulancemen's Whitley council on 29 April offered to increase all basic rates from 1 January 1981 by 7¾ per cent. together with an additional day's leave for the majority of staff for a 15-month settlement period. For leading ambulancemen and qualified ambulancemen existing weekly basic rates would be increased by £6.43 and £5.94 bringing average earnings to about £184 and £166 respectively in London and about £163 and £142 respectively elsewhere. It is for the various Whitley councils to determine the appropriate levels of settlement but I have made it clear that, if pay settlements are not reached within the limits of the 6 per cent. pay factor services will suffer. The management, side's offer could be contained within those limits and I hope it leads to a settlement.