§ Mr. Sackvilleasked the Secretary of State for Employment why the Manpower Services Commission in Bolton is refusing to consider two members of Bolton council for employment under the community programme on the grounds that the council is administering the programme on an agency basis.
§ Mr Peter MorrisonThe Manpower Services Commission has not refused to consider elected members of the council for employment under the community programme provided that they meet the eligibility criteria. Bolton council is the employer of the people on the projects it sponsors, and recruitment to these projects is a matter for the council to decide. The commission has, however, reminded Bolton council of the provisions of the 333W Local Government Act 1972 which bear upon the qualification for holding office as a member of a local authority.