§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total 156W amount of expenses claimed by local government councillors in carrying out their duties in each of the past two years.
§ Mr. RifkindPrecise figures of past expenditure are not readily available in the form requested. However, for purposes of rate support grant, it was estimated that local authority budgets for 1979–80 included provisions for £1.2 million in respect of allowances and expenses for elected and co-opted members.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding making the post of a local government councillor a full-time salaried occupation; and if he intends to introduce such legislation within the lifetime of this Parliament.
§ Mr. RifkindNone. No.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the total annual cost of making the post of local government councillor a full-time salaried occupation at the level of average non-manual earnings in Scotland.
§ Mr. RifkindAbout £9 million, assuming a saving of £1 million by the abolition of attendance allowances.