§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many meetings he has had with local government unions and staff associations about the establishment of a staff commission in connection with the proposed reform of local government; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellMy decision to establish a staff commission was taken in the light of discussions with local government staff interests, and I know that it is welcome to them. They will be fully brought into forthcoming consultations about the form and scope of the commission.
§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in relaxing the administrative and technical controls exercised by central Government over local government as referred to in paragraph 70 of Cmnd. Paper No. 4583; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellSome administrative and technical controls have been relaxed in the building control field, and I am consulting local authorities and teachers' associations on proposals that certain requirements of the Schools (Scotland) Code as to the number and qualifications of promoted staff should be revoked.
A general study is now in progress to establish which statutory controls over local authorities can be relaxed in the forthcoming legislation on local government reform.