§ Q12. Mr. Sydney Chapmanasked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about the committee he has set up under the chairmanship of Lord Redcliffe-Maud to consider rules of conduct for councillors and local government officers.
§ The Prime MinisterThe committee's terms of reference are:
To examine present local government law and practice as it relates to or might affect;
- (i) the conduct of both members and officers in situations where there is or could be a conflict between their position in local government and their private interests;
- (ii) qualification or disqualification for service as a member of a local authority or of any of its committees.
To consider the adequacy of the operation of such law and practice and the principles which should apply, and make recommendations regarding compliance with such principles.
The study will cover local government in England, including London, Wales and Scotland. The terms of reference do not include the police.
In addition to Lord Redcliffe-Maud, who has agreed to serve as chairman of the committee, the other members are: Sir Philip Allen, Sir Mark Henig, Alderman Robert Leigh-Pemberton, Mr. S. Lloyd Jones, Mr. J. M. Turner, Mr. David Widdicombe.
I know the committee has in mind the desirability of its report being available when the new local authorities take over their full responsibilities next April.