asked the Minister for the Civil Service what is the current position in respect of the pay claim made by civil servants; what offer has been made by the employers; when the next meeting between employer and employee representatives is to take place; and if he will make a statement.

The detailed processing is still under way of evidence provided by the Pay Research Unit as a basis for negotiations leading to a pay settlement from 1 April 1979 for non-industrial civil servants. At this stage no claims have been submitted and no offers made. Meetings between the negotiators are continuing.