§ 21. Mr. Wattasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make an early review of the statutory duties at present carried out by local authorities 1310 with a view to reducing the numbers of staff employed in their execution.
§ Mr. MillanNo, Sir. The statutory duties at present carried out by local authorities have been conferred on them over the years by Parliament.
§ Mr. WattDoes the right hon. Gentleman recognise that many local authorities had to appoint officials to carry out these statutory duties, and that now the circumstances have changed? Is he aware that in many cases the officials are grossly under-employed?
§ Mr. MillanIf they are underemployed, there is no reason for the numbers not being reduced.