§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Defence which grades of scientists and technicians at the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment and the royal ordnance factory at Burghfield have received pay increases of up to 26 per cent.; what were the costs involved; whether there have been any consequent difficulties regarding differentials with other grades of staff; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norman LamontSpecial pay additions (SPAs) have been introduced at the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Aldermaston, and the nearby royal ordnance factory at Burghfield in order to alleviate manning shortages in certain categories. The SPAs are payable from 1 October 1985 to engineers between the grades of professional and technology officer IV and professional and technology officers I, and to scientists between the grades of assistant scientific officer and senior scientific officer. The amounts range between £1,000 and £2,000 a year depending upon grade. The cost in a full year will be some £3 million. Other staff at these establishments have sought similar treatment.