§ 91. Mr. Lamondasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he has had with the trade unions covering members of staff in local authorities about the various service conditions matters arising from local government reorganisation; and what continuing consultations he has arranged.
§ Mr. Graham PageTwenty-six consultation papers have been sent to over eighty unions and staff associations. Four dealt specifically with staffing matters, including compensation and the appointment of a staff commission, and, where necessary, there will be other further consultations. Revised compensation proposals will be issued fairly soon.
§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a progress report on the establishment of machinery for consultation with appropriate trades unions and staff associations concerning the implications for local government personnel of the proposed reorganisation of local government in England and Wales.
§ Mr. Graham PageMy Department and the Welsh Office, which are together responsible for consultations on matters 443W which affect local authority staffs as a whole, have already sent some 30 consultation papers to more than 80 trade unions and staff associations concerned. These papers cover all apects of reorganisation, including the transfer and protection of staff, the setting up of staff commissions for England and Wales and arrangements for compensation. Replies have been received to these papers and consultations are continuing where these are shown to be necessary. It is also expected that the two staff commissions to be set up will themselves wish to consult the interested parties, including the staff associations, about the arrangements to be made for staff transfer and protection.