HC Deb 03 March 1964 vol 690 cc1104-6
12. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what consideration he has given to the prospects for local authorities of continuing to recruit elected representatives and officers of the calibre needed to carry out the responsibilities now falling to local government; and what action he will take in this regard.

Sir K. Joseph

At the request of the four main local authority associations I have appointed two Committees to look at the people in local government and the prospects of continuing to get and keep enough people of the quality local government needs.

One Committee, to be chaired by Sir John Maud, the Master of University College, Oxford, will concentrate on the management of local government, with particular reference to its ability to attract elected representatives and chief officers of the necessary calibre.

The other, to be chaired by Sir George Mallaby, until recently the First Civil Service Commissioner, will consider the staffing of local government.

With permission I will circulate the terms of reference and the membership of both Committees in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Stewart

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that everyone will note with gratification that this action was taken at the request of the four main local authority associations? Will he confirm that it does not imply any disparagement of the still unfortunately limited number of people who do such excellent work in local government, but that we have to take into account the growing range of activities local government will have to perform? Could the right hon. Gentleman make it clear also that among the things these Committees will examine are questions of financial loss involved for people who undertake local government work, and the search for remedies for that situation? Has he formed any opinion as to when we may expect the reports of these Committees?

Sir K. Joseph

I can certainly confirm that the initiative of the local authority associations in approaching the Government does Not in itself in any way reflect any discredit on people now serving in local government, either elected or official. But, like so many big organisations in these days of intense competition for talent, local authorities are very sensibly deciding to look at their own practice to see in what way they can improve the prospects of attracting and retaining necessary talent. I can also confirm that the subjects the hon. Gentleman mentioned will be within the terms of reference of these Committees, together with many other subjects. I do not think we can expect such a comprehensive job to be reported upon within a year. It will take more than a year but I hope not very much more.

Sir H. Harrison

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that because of the reorganisation of local government, particularly in county areas—in which there will be amalgamations—more time will have to be spent by many elected representatives in travelling and that this will mean more expense for them?

Sir K. Joseph

These factors will certainly be taken into account, I am sure.

Following are the terms of reference and membership of the Committees: