§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy towards community councils in Wales, and on full-time appointments to the position of clerks to community councils.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasMy policy for community councils was set out in paragraphs 49–52 of the Consultative Document, "The Reform of Local Government in Wales", published in February. It will be for the community councils to decide, in the same way as existing parish councils have to decide, whether they need paid clerks, and, if so, what their terms of service should be.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what consultation with parish councils in Wales he proposes on the function of community councils in Wales and on the appointment of full-time clerks to these councils.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasMy proposals for the functions of community councils were set out in paragraph 49 of and Appendix II to the Consultative Document, "The Reform of Local Government in Wales", published in February. This was sent for comment to the National Association of Parish Councils and to the Secretaries of all County Associations of Parish Councils in Wales. Comments have already arrived from the National Association and a number of individual parish councils. Comments from other parish councils are welcome. They should reach my office by the end of May. I shall consider any comments on the appointment of full-time clerks, but at present I see no reason to treat community councils any differently from the existing parish councils in this respect.