68. Mr. J. T. Hallasked the Financial Secretary to the Tresury if he is aware that although a non-industrial civil servant is eligible to become a member of a local authority, there is no provision made to allow him absence from duty to attend council meetings; and if he will take steps to correct this position.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterCivil servants who become members of a local authority are allowed special leave at Departmental discretion for attendance at council meetings. Normally, special leave with pay is allowed up to a maximum of 12 days (or the equivalent) in a year. In exercising their discretion Departments must, of course, bear in mind the needs of the public service.