Civil Servants (Drawing Office Grades)

Oral Answers to Questions — National Finance – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 22 November 1966.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mr Tom Driberg Mr Tom Driberg , Barking 12:00, 22 November 1966

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how soon negotiations with civil servants in the various drawing office grades are to be resumed and completed, in accordance with the assurance contained in a letter dated 26th September, 1966, from the official staff side of the Whitley Council.

Photo of Mr Jack Diamond Mr Jack Diamond , Gloucester

As soon as practicable after the White Paper on the criteria to govern increases in incomes during the period of severe restraint has been published, and after discussions with the staff side of the National Whitley Council on its application to the Civil Service have been completed.

Photo of Mr Tom Driberg Mr Tom Driberg , Barking

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that does not quite answer my Question? I was asking him when the discussions between the official side and the staff side would be resumed and completed. May we take it that we do not have to wait for the period of severe restraint for them at least to re-start?

Photo of Mr Jack Diamond Mr Jack Diamond , Gloucester

I thought that I had given that precise answer to my hon. Friend by saying "as soon as practicable … after the White Paper has been published". The White Paper is expected very shortly.

Photo of Mr Stanley McMaster Mr Stanley McMaster , Belfast East

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this group of civil servants has been unfairly treated compared with other grades in the Civil Service who have had a Whitley Council rise? Will he give a guarantee that the rise of at least a 4½ per cent. cost of living bonus will be retrospective?

Photo of Mr Jack Diamond Mr Jack Diamond , Gloucester

These are matters for discussion.