To ask the Minister for the Civil Service if he will take steps to improve staff relations in the Civil Service.

[holding answer 16 January 1990]: The Government have always attached importance to good staff relations in the Civil Service. The next steps initiative is intended, amongst other things, to increase motivation and satisfaction by releasing staff talents to provide a better service to the public. In some cases group performance bonuses can be earned. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and I have both paid public tribute to the quality and commitment we see in staff in the Civil Service. As I made clear in my speech at a RIPA seminar last year the Government care greatly about the men and women of the Civil Service and the way they deliver Government services.