§ 31. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he has taken as a consequence of a proposal put 417W to him by the employers' side of the negotiating body for local authority salaries to check the total salary bill in each authority before and after the changeover in local government reorganisation; and what reply he has had from local authorities to his Departmental circular asking for restraint on plans for excessive staff expansion in new local authority units.
§ Mr. MillanMy Department's circular of 5th August endorsed the proposal of the employers' sides to carry out a "before and after" check on staff numbers and costs. It drew attention to the need for economy but did not call for a reply to be sent to my right hon. Friend.