HC Deb 10 November 1982 vol 31 c164W
Mr. Heddle

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will bring forward proposals to extend to Scotland similar provisions to those of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints Act 1967, section 7, subsections (2) to (10); and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Allan Stewart

The Commissioner for Local Administration in Scotland, in his annual report of the year ended 31 March 1982, observed that since 1975 only three cases on which he had reported had had an unsatisfactory outcome, and he took the view that there was no present need to change the existing Scottish legislation. The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1981 has strengthened the previous position by requiring a local authority to consider any "second report" which may be issued by the commissioner, and to report to him the action it may take on it. My right hon. Friend has no plans to introduce further amending legislation, but he will continue to keep the situation under review in the light of experience and the views of the present commissioner and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.