§ Mr. Warrenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement as to the reasons for proposing no salary increases in 1985–86 for data processing staff in the Civil Service and then withdrawing the proposals summarily.
§ Mr. HayhoeMy hon. Friend is referring to the allowances paid to certain staff in the computing field. The proposal is that these allowances should increase by 4 per cent. But since in some respects the present arrangements for these allowances do not reflect current priorities in an area of fast moving technological change, we also proposed some changes in the context of the 1985 pay negotiations. Following representations from the union concerned, we agreed to withdraw certain aspects of the proposals and carry forward consideration of these matters outside of the pay negotiations. The union representing the staff concerned will be fully consulted about the future pattern of these allowances.