Unions (Ministerial Meeting)

Oral Answers to Questions — Civil Service – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 16 June 1986.

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Photo of Mr Clive Soley Mr Clive Soley , Hammersmith 12:00, 16 June 1986

asked the Minister for the Civil Service when he last met the Civil Service unions; and what matters were discussed.

Photo of Mr Richard Luce Mr Richard Luce , Shoreham

I have had no formal meetings with the Civil Service unions, but I did meet them informally on 25 March, and I attended the dinner of the First Division Association on 14 May. Topics of mutual interest were discussed informally.

Photo of Mr Clive Soley Mr Clive Soley , Hammersmith

When the Minister had an opportunity to discuss matters informally, did he raise the question of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Crown Agents? Can he tell the House when a supplementary report will be produced and what will be in it?

Photo of Mr Richard Luce Mr Richard Luce , Shoreham

I cannot give the hon. Gentleman a specific answer to his question. It is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development. I shall draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the hon. Gentleman's question.

Photo of Dr Oonagh McDonald Dr Oonagh McDonald , Thurrock

Is the Minister aware of the deep resentment within the Civil Service and among the Civil Service trade unions over the Government's pursuit of disciplinary proceedings against those who rejoined trade unions at Government Communications Headquarters? Is he aware that, to many, it appears to be a misuse of disciplinary proceedings as it implies that it is wrong to be a civil servant and a member of a trade union? Will he ensure that his right hon. and hon. Friends call a halt to those disciplinary proceedings before any punishment is meted out?

Photo of Mr Richard Luce Mr Richard Luce , Shoreham

The GCHQ is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, who has clearly explained our policy. I have noticed that the report of the Select Committee on the Treasury and Civil Service has expressed the strong view that disciplinary proceedings should be enforced when civil servants abuse their code of conduct.