§ Mr. Spencerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will introduce legislation to ensure that the political activities of local government officers are governed by the same rules as those which govern the political activities of civil servants employed by central Government; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will introduce legislation to require local authorities to keep a register for public inspection showing (a) the name of any officer who is a member of another local authority, (b) the name of the authority of which the office is a member and (c) the political affiliation of the officer; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveLocal government officers have traditionally been politically impartial. My right hon. Friend is well aware of concern being expressed about recent departures from this tradition. While he has no plans at present to introduce legislation, he intends to keep this matter under close scrutiny.