§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what meetings have taken place of the staff advisory committee on local government in Scotland; on what dates; what was the outcome; what instructions he has given to the committee; what advice he has received from it; and when he expects to promulgate such advice to individual local authorities.
§ Mr. StewartThe staff advisory committee held its first meeting on 18 May. I understand that it has held regular meetings since then and has undertaken a number of visits to local authorities. My right hon. Friend has invited the committee as a first task to prepare advice on the nature of any redundancy compensation scheme which should apply in Scotland during the period of reorganisation. The Committee's advice on this issue is expected quite shortly.