§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guidelines govern public sector salary increases in areas where the state enjoys monopoly power; and if he will make a statement. [20931]
§ Mr. AitkenThe Government expect pay in the public sector to be considered in accordance with the approach that my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor announced on 14 September 1994. The running costs of central Government Departments and provision for the rest of the public sector have been set on the basis that pay and price increases should be offset, or more than offset, by efficiencies and other economies. Generally, pay in all parts of the public sector should be set at levels necessary to recruit, retain and motivate staff within the available cash levels.