§ 20. Mr. Freemanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps the Government propose to take to end the disruption to social security payments from Newcastle; and if he will make a statement.
§ 40. Sir William van Straubenzeeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the current industrial dispute at his Department's computer centre at Newcastle.
§ Mr. NewtonWe have made every effort to end this dispute on the basis of an offer which means that no one need lose take-home pay. I am pleased to say that the 459W striking members of two of the three unions involved have overwhelmingly accepted this offer and have agreed arrangements to return to work tomorrow. The offer has however been rejected by striking members of the Civil and Public Servants Association, despite a recommendation to accept by their national officials. 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.