HL Deb 12 January 1999 vol 596 c69WA
Lord Monkswell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they plan to respond to the representations made on behalf of the 14 staff dismissed from GCHQ for refusing to give up their trades union membership. [HL444]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

After discussions with the Council of Civil Service Unions and the TUC, the Foreign Secretary has decided to offer compensation for lost pension rights to the 14 staff dismissed from GCHQ for retaining their membership of the national Civil Service trades unions.

This decision reflects the principled stand which the 14 trade unionists took, to the point of dismissal, against the attempt to take away their basic trades union rights.

The additional pensions benefits will be provided through a special scheme under the Superannuation Act 1972, which will be laid before Parliament once the details have been finalised.