HC Deb 03 July 1973 vol 859 cc86-7W
Mr. Oakes

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will issue a circular advising all Departments to grant leave of absence on full pay to civil servants who are members of local authorities to attend their civic duties, or to a civil servant who is the spouse of a local authority member to accompany his or her spouse where this is necessary in the performance of civic duties.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

Civil servants who are members of local authorities may be allowed up to a maximum of 18 days' special leave with pay a year to enable them to engage in local government work. In addition, they may be allowed special leave without pay. These arrangements are consistent with the recommendation in paragraph 532 of the report of the Committee on the Management of Local Government.

Special leave for a civil servant to accompany his or her spouse in the performance of civic duties is at the discretion of the employing Department. Where such leave is allowed it will normally be unpaid.