§ Mr. HopkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the cost is of the departmental pay bill increase for 2003–04. [147515]
§ Maria EagleNegotiations for the 2003–04 pay award are still ongoing. Subject to acceptance of the current pay offer, the in-year 2003–04 pay bill for the department will increase by around £120 million. This represents a percentage increase of 3.7 per cent.