§ 2. Mr. Gowerasked the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has now had with local government officers in Wales and with their associations and unions regarding the consequences on local government employment of implementation of his proposals for amalgamation of councils; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. George ThomasNone has yet been held, but I intend to discuss these matters, including my proposals for a Welsh Local Government Staff Commission, with local authority associations and with representatives of the staffs of local government as soon as possible.
§ Mr. GowerAs possible amalgamations may create difficulties in finding suitable employment for some officers quickly, does the right hon. Gentleman plan to create a central bureau to facilitate the placing of these officers in appropriate jobs?
§ Mr. ThomasThe hon. Gentleman has made that proposal before, and I assure him that, if he has any new constructive arguments to advance in support of his plea, I will gladly look into them.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattWill the right hon. Gentleman answer my hon. Friend's question? Is he or is he not setting up a bureau? He asked my hon. Friend to make a helpful suggestion, but I think that he has made one.
§ Mr. ThomasI am sorry—I thought that the hon. Gentleman was up to date. I have already told his hon. Friend that I do not see advantage in creating such a register at present.
§ Mr. Gwynfor EvansIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his plans for amalgamation will make local government in Wales less local and less democratic, and will involve less participation, without producing more efficiency or even economy? Could not a Royal Commission be appointed to inquire into local government in Wales?
§ Mr. ThomasThe proposals are more democratic than that advanced by the hon. Gentleman that Wales should have 923 a Governor-General—a proposal which has been rejected by most other countries.