§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he is to take to protect the interests of local government staff in the run-up to local government reorganisation in Wales.
§ Mr. RedwoodIn the White Paper on local government reorganisation, "Local Government in Wales: A Charter For The Future", my predecessor announced his intention to establish a staff commission to help safeguard staff interests during the reorganisation process. I am committed to this. I plan to establish the shadow commission after Second Reading of the Local Government Bill. The staff commission will be formally established once the Bill receives Royal Assent.
It is essential that the implications of reorganisation for existing local government staff are considered at an early stage and I have decided to establish an advisory committee to consider the advice and guidance that will need to be given to the staff commission and, where appropriate, to issue advice on specific issues which need to be addressed in advance of the establishment of the commission.
The advisory committee will consist of a chairman and up to three other members. I am currently considering candidates and will be announcing the appointments shortly. Financial provision for the advisory committee is included in the cash limit increase for class XV, vote 9 announced today. The relevant supplementary estimate is subject to parliamentary approval.