§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultations he had with representatives of the Association of University Teachers before taking his decision to insert clauses in research contracts awarded by his Department limiting any salary revisions requested by contract holders to changes in the level of inflation and stipulating that applications for extra money for promotion or pay rises would have to be agreed with his Department.
§ Mr. John PattenWe have not inserted clauses in research contracts limiting revisions in salaries to changes in the level of inflation.
Agreements, in the main with universities, have for many years provided for research staff to be appointed on the normal terms and conditions of service for the university's or institution's own research staff. Estimates by researchers for expenditure each year are considered and a cash allocation agreed which takes account of past and expected pay increases. The Department's approval has naturally been required for any additional expenditure, whether it is for extra staff, changes such as promotion or other additional costs.