asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he has made inquiries into the salaries paid to computer staff in the private sector and compared them with those paid in the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement.

The Civil Service Pay Research Unit has now submitted evidence of the pay and conditions of service of those engaged on comparable work outside the Civil Service, including computer staff. The evidence, which is still being processed to take account of differences in conditions of service, including pensions and other fringe benefits, will provide the basis for negotiations leading to a settlement from 1 April 1979, subject as in the past to national pay policy. It is too early to say what the outcome of these negotiations will be.