TNAG-2050-FCO40-2920-Visits-by-Lord-Caithness--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and--1990 — Page 53

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views and predictions of what might happen in the event that progress (in as much as the Force's expectations were concerned) was not made. Finally a letter dated 17th July this year (Annex 'B') from the DCP MAN to the Secretary General of the Standing Committee on Disciplined Services (SCDS) complaining of the delays in reaching decisions on matters affecting police pay and the cavalier manner in which the Secretary General demands supplementary statistics at the 'drop of a hat'.

Progress, Sir, has not been made and the adverse

reaction to the Rennie Report has subsequently deteriorated to such an extent due to the continued procrastination of the Admini- stration and lack of anything positive issuing from the SCDS that we felt it necessary to petition the Governor. In order to underscore the intensity of frustration and exasperation held by members, the four Staff Associations also decided to inform your office of the state of affairs.

You may have seen the response to the petition we have received signed by the Secretary for the Civil Service. Suffice to say that its tone and content do not indicate any likelihood of a meeting of minds on the issues involved and when combined with some amazing and misleading statements made recently by very senior Government officials has created total distrust and suspicion as to their motives. It has also convinced us that there really is little intention on the part of Government of any fair play in terms of Police pay and conditions of service.

And one pay

That Sir, is the situation as we see it. announcement does not materially change our view on the matters.