To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission (1) when the House's catering staff will receive their increases in pay arising from their pay settlement effective in April 2008; (279629)

The pay settlement for catering and retail staff for 2008-09 has yet to be agreed. However, the trade unions representing catering staff (GMB and PCS) have agreed to recommend acceptance of an improved offer made by management for a three-year pay settlement. The unions are balloting their members on management's revised offer and if both unions' members accept, staff will receive their pay increases and arrears with their July salaries.