§ Mr. Leighasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what rules exist to restrict the employment of members of one local authority by a neighbouring authority; and if he intends to introduce legislation in this area.
§ Mrs. RumboldThere are no statutory restrictions on members of one local authority being employees of another, although employees of a joint authority or of a joint committee of authorities may not be a member of any of the constituent councils. We have, however, asked the Widdicombe inquiry into the conduct of local government business to examine any problems of propriety which may arise from members' conflicts of interest, particularly where officers of one authority serve as members of another. The inquiry's report is expected to he submitted shortly.