§ 5. Mr. Michael Morrisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is Government policy on the participation of unions in policy making and in the implementation of agreed policies in local government.
§ Mr. ShoreThe accountability of local authorities to their electorates must not be eroded, but subject to this principle the Government believe that local government employees should be given all possible opportunities to contribute their views on matters affecting their legitimate interests.
§ Mr. MorrisIs the Secretary of State aware of the situation in the London borough of Islington? The Labour council proposed a rate increase of 40 per cent., the social democrats on the council proposed an increase of 32 per cent. and with the aid of one Conservative member that proposal was carried. Is the Minister aware that subsequently the NALGO 1301 branch there refused to help produce the policies designed to implement that 32 per cent. rate increase? Is not that a gross intrusion into the responsibilities of a democratically-elected council?
§ Mr. ShoreI hesitate to pass judgment on that now. I shall certainly look further into this matter because I believe that the legitimate authority of local councils should prevail.