§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will ensure that transfers of staff during the reorganisation of water and sewage services should be on terms not less favourable than those enjoyed by the staff concerned at the time of transfer.
§ Mr. Graham PageWe have proposed that staff should be guaranteed terms and conditions which are not less favourable until they are served with a written statement of new terms and conditions. The remuneration incorporated in such a statement will have to be no less favourable, provided the duties of the staff concerned are reasonably comparable. The other terms and conditions of service will continue to be no less favourable, irrespective of the comparability of duties. In any case where a person suffers diminution of emoluments directly attributable to reorganisation he will be entitled to claim compensation.
§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will take steps to create the Trent and Severn 192W areas as separate regional water authorities.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe Government are reviewing the areas proposed for regional water authorities in the light of the comments submitted in response to Circular No. 92/71, some of which have suggested separate authorities for the Trent and Severn basins.
§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what communication he has received from the Stafford shire Potteries Water Board concerning the reorganisation of water and sewage services; and what was his reply.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe Board has submitted certain comments in response to the departmental Circular No. 92/71 and the first three consultation papers issued in connection with reorganisation. These are being considered together with the other comments received.
§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will ensure that the proposed regional water authorities are controlled by a majority of representatives who have been elected by local authorities.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerA consultation paper will be issued shortly, as a basis for discussion, on the constitution of the proposed regional water authorities.