HC Deb 17 March 1976 vol 907 cc1320-1
21. Dr. Edmund Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he proposes to make any changes in respect of the remuneration of members of principal local authorities.

Mr. John Silkin

Matters relating to members' allowances are under consideration and my right hon. Friend will make a statement as soon as he is in a position to do so.

Dr. Marshall

Does my right hon. Friend agree that since local government reorganisation it has become clear that for members of county councils and metropolitan district councils to perform their duties effectively they need to be full-time representatives and should be remunerated on that basis?

Mr. Silkin

The difficulties are such—my hon. Friend has mentioned one—that we need to take quite a long look. I believe that we are right to take that view. I should not want to come up with a quick answer, bearing in mind the various difficulties. In many cases councillors are overworked and the allowances are inadequate. I accept that there are a few examples where perhaps the allowances are rather too high.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Will the right Gentleman confirm that for some time his right hon. Friend has had a report in his possession following an investigation of this subject? When will that report be allowed to see the light of day?

Mr. Silkin

As the hon. Gentleman rightly points out, a survey was made. We hope to be able to make an announcement as soon as possible. However, the hon. Gentleman knows from his experience in local government that this is a terribly complicated matter. It is as well to come up with the right answer rather than a hurried answer.