§ 2.56 p.m.
§ Lord Boyd-CarpenterMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Greater London Council and the trade unions mainly concerned are now co-operating with Her Majesty's Government and with the successor authorities in transitional arrangements in connection with the abolition of the Greater London Council.
§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Elton)My Lords, I believe that there is an increasingly realistic attitude within the GLC to preparing for the transfer of functions. My right honourable friend and I have been in discussion with the Local Government Committee of the TUC since 11th July about staffing aspects of abolition, and I hope to conclude negotiations with them soon.
§ Lord Boyd-CarpenterMy Lords, while I thank my noble friend for that moderately encouraging reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that, now that Parliament has decided this matter, public opinion generally expects all concerned to do what they can to secure that the transition takes place effectively, efficiently and at a minimum cost to the citizens of London?
§ Lord EltonMy Lords, I think that is the general perception, and with it goes a perception of the fact that it is in the interests of the staff themselves that matters should be so conducted.
§ Lord Graham of EdmontonMy Lords, if in fact one needs the collaboration of the GLC and the trade unions in these matters, ought we not also to have the collaboration of the Government? Is the Minister aware of the circular issued last week by the Staff Commission, which said that at present,
GLC and MCC employees are being required to make important decisions about their future against a background of uncertainty and confusion. The commission are looking to the Government to publish draft transfer orders as soon as possible and have also pressed the Government to settle quickly the details of the compensation terms so that their employees know where they stand".Those are the words of the Staff Commission., Is it not ironic that a body set up by the Government to expedite these matters is having to complain that those dragging their feet are not the trade unions or the GLC but the Government themselves?
§ Lord EltonMy Lords, I think the noble Lord has perhaps read the circular with a partial eye. I am well aware of it. I am grateful to the Staff Commission for the help which they are giving in making expedition possible. I have taken their views, and I am negotiating with all speed with the interested parties.