§ Mr. Norman HoggTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice he has given to new town development corporations on the treatment of staff in the wind-up of the Scottish new towns and the transfer or engagement of such staff by the new authorities to be set up under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1994; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 28 November 1994]: Since the White Paper, "The cottish New Towns—The Way Ahead", CM 711, was published in July 1989, the Government have been consistent in their view that every effort should be made to retain the expertise of new town staff for the wider benefit of Scotland. In accordance with the guidance on winding-up the development corporations are pursuing staffing in discussion with organisations taking over their functions. With effect from 1 April 1995, some staff may transfer to East Kilbride and Kirkcaldy district councils; other may transfer before dissolution of the Corporations. The other new towns are consulting existing local authorities about staff transferring with the functions they currently perform. Guidance on the staffing of the new local authorities is currently being considered by the local government staff commission (Scotland).