§ Dr. Michael Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that all practical steps have been taken to resolve the dispute at the national computer centre at Newcastle; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonWe have made every effort to reach a negotiated settlement to end the dispute and members of two of the unions concerned—the Society of Civil and Public Servants and the Civil Service Union—have accepted our proposals and resumed duty. I understand that representatives of the national executive committee of the other union—the Civil and Public Servants Association—are this week seeking to persuade their striking members to return to work. As I said in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Kettering (Mr. Freeman) on 27 November, at columns458–59, we urge those still taking action to re-examine swiftly their position; meanwhile, we are considering what further steps should be taken to restore the service that pensioners and the public are entitled to expect.