§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when and where it was stated and agreed in 1986 that the staged salary increase for university teachers was to cover three years; how long the standard response letter from his Department signed by Miss J. Bonde, in reply to representations concerning the Association of University Teachers dispute has been in use; and if it is his intention to revise it.
Mr. JacksonThe pay settlement for university non-academic and academic related staff agreed in March 1987 provided for increases of 16.6 per cent from 1 December 1986 and 7.4 per cent from 1 March 1988. At the time of the settlement, the Government gave a clear indication to the employers that no further funds would be made available to finance further increases from 1 April 1988. In the nature of things many correspondents make the same points and accordingly there are areas of similarity in the Department's replies. The comments made on all matters are revised when necessary.