HC Deb 21 March 1977 vol 928 cc444-5W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the fees paid by certain Scottish district councils to their chief executives and their deputies of £12 per contested seat for acting as a returning officer in the district council elections require his approval; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Millan

These payments are a matter for the local authorities. My approval is not required. I have drawn the attention of those concerned to the Government's pay policy and am making further inquiries into this aspect of the matter.

Mr. Robin F. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the proposal by the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives for a fee of £12 for each contested seat in the May district elections, which would produce a payment of £768 to the Chief Executive of Edinburgh District Council, is within the terms of the pay code.

Mr. McElhone

These payments are a matter for the local authorities; my right hon. Friend's approval is not required. The attention of those concerned has been drawn to the Government's pay policy and further inquiries are being made into this aspect of the matter.