Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Claire Perry Excerpts
Wednesday 24th November 2010

(13 years, 12 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Order. Far too many private conversations are taking place in the Chamber. This is very discourteous and it should end.

Claire Perry Portrait Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con)
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7. What recent progress he has made on his proposals for reform of the civil service compensation scheme.

Jeremy Lefroy Portrait Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con)
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10. What recent progress he has made on his proposals for reform of the civil service compensation scheme.

Lord Maude of Horsham Portrait The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General (Mr Francis Maude)
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The Superannuation Bill, which will impose caps on compensation payments and permit the reform of the civil service compensation scheme, is proceeding through the other place. I remain confident of being able to introduce a new scheme before the House rises.

Claire Perry Portrait Claire Perry
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I thank the Minister for that reply. More than 30% of the work force in my constituency are employed by the public sector, given the heavy proportion of Army personnel and Ministry of Defence civil servants. Many of the MOD civil servants are members of the Public and Commercial Services union. Has it come to the table and joined the negotiations, or does it still stand alone?

Lord Maude of Horsham Portrait Mr Maude
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Sadly, despite repeated invitations, the PCS has not come forward with concrete proposals. The other five unions engaged constructively and their proposals formed the basis for the new scheme that we have developed. I am sorry that the PCS, which represents so many civil servants, particularly lower-paid civil servants, has not chosen to take part in a constructive spirit.