§ Mr. FlightTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what factors led his Department to stage the pay award for teachers for 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [44374]
§ Mr. ByersThe Government have taken a common approach to staging for all the pay review body group's recommendations this year. Public Sector pay settlements need to be fair, affordable within existing spending plans, consistent with the good inflation prospects, and responsible in terms of a general approach to pay throughout the economy that will contribute to higher growth and more jobs.