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Republic of Ireland President: Police Escort

Lord Laird asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 10 December (WA 177) concerning the police escort for the President of the Republic of Ireland on a recent visit to Belfast removing their remembrance poppies, what function was involved, organised by whom, and whether anyone asked for the removal of the poppies, and, if so, who and why.[HL2003]

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The event in question was a GAA function on the evening of 9 November 2001. The organisers of the function, with the interests of the police guard in mind, suggested that poppies might be removed. With the security of the principal and that of the escorts being paramount, the officer in charge made an operational judgment in response to the suggestion.

10 Jan 2002 : Column WA126

Senior Civil Service Pay

Baroness Whitaker asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their response to the special report and recommendations of the review body on senior Civil Service pay.[HL2258]

Lord Williams of Mostyn: As part of the long-term programme of reform for the Civil Service, the Senior Salaries Review Body was asked in April 2001 to provide an independent assessment of the appropriate pay rates as a basis for the new senior Civil Service pay system coming into effect in April 2002. The aims of the new pay system are to enable the Civil Service to compete more effectively to recruit and retain top managers; and to reward sustained performance and the delivery of results.

The Government accept the review body's recommendations for the minima and maxima of the new ranges. The target rates recommended will also be incorporated in the new system for the best performers.

Copies of the SSRB special report, along with a summary of the new SCS pay system, are in the Vote Office and the Library of the House. I am grateful to the Chairman and the members of the review body for their work.

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