HC Deb 13 May 1981 vol 4 cc760-1
11. Mr. Ron Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many meetings he has had with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities since he took office.

Mr. Rifkind

Eight, Sir.

Mr. Brown

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that COSLA and many councils throughout the country, including Conservative councils, feel that the meetings with the Secretary of State are a waste of time because he is not interested in what COSLA says? Special powers have been adopted by the right hon. Gentleman and it is being seen that local democracy has virtually ceased to exist in Scotland? Does he appreciate that the mandate that he thinks he has does not operate in Scotland. Does he accept that councils have the job of resisting the policies of his Government, especially those that are attacks on jobs and living standards? Will he—[HON. MEMBERS: "Too long".]

Mr. Speaker

Order. I have been very fair. The hon. Gentleman has asked three supplementary questions. The Minister is entitled to choose which he answers.

Mr. Rifkind

I hope that the hon. Gentleman will agree that all democratically elected Governments have a mandate to carry out their policies. I think that he will find that the convention accepts that if it is necessary to take action against high-spending authorities it is better to concentrate that action on the authorities responsible than to direct it against all authorities, including those that have behaved responsibly.

Mr. Allan Stewart

Will my hon. Friend have an opportunity to discuss with COSLA the recent press release by the EIS on section 88 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980? Will he assure the convention that hon. Members do not react positively to threats of strike action, distortion and vulgar personal abuse?

Mr. Rifkind

It is correct that the House does not react favourably to protests and demonstrations, whether carried out by trade unionists or Labour Members of Parliament.