§ 8. Mr. Roderickasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied that the staffing requirements of local authorities in Wales are being met following reorganisation.
§ Mr. RowlandsLocal authorities do not have to inform my right hon. and learned Friend about how far they are meeting their staffing requirements. That is their responsibility. We are aware, however, that some authorities have experienced difficulties.
§ Mr. RoderickDoes my hon. Friend recall that when the Government of the day created Powys we protested vigorously that this unit could never be viable because of its poverty and sparseness of population? Will he keep an open mind on the future structure of local government, and in this instance will he see the representatives of Powys to discuss their difficulties with them?
§ Mr. RowlandsI think we all appreciate the considerable difficulties of Powys County Council. My right hon. and learned Friend is ready and willing to meet the county council as soon as possible to discuss its pressing problems.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsAt the statutory meeting between the Secretary of State for the Environment and the local authorities last week it was agreed to establish a system to supervise the increase in staffs over the coming year. Has the hon. Gentleman anything more to say about that?
§ Mr. RowlandsThe matter is under discussion with the local authority associations. We hope that we can get a reasonable arrangement by which we can monitor future staffing requirements. All hon. Members—and the public, too—are sceptical and worried about the large increase in staff at a time of financial stringency.