§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he plans to issue any guidance to staff of the metropolitan councils about their future job prospects in the light of the enactment of the Local Government Act 1985; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerI have no present plans to add to the guidance to staff contained in the paper entitled "Abolition of the GLC and MCCs, Arrangements for Staffing the New Structure", issued in November 1984. But the "Guidance Note to Metropolitan District Councils", which my Department issued on 16 July, reminds successor authorities of their duties under the Local Government Act 1985 and the need to take early steps, within procedures laid down by the Staff Commission, to make offers of jobs to staff they will need to meet their new or enhanced responsibilities.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he intends to take to establish satisfactory severance terms for those employees of the 461W South Yorkshire county council who may be adversely affected by the Local Government Act 1985; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerMy right hon. Friend will, after consultations with interested bodies, make regulations under section 24 of the Superannuation Act 1972 to provide for compensation to any local authority employee who may suffer loss of employment in consequence of any provision made by or under the Local Government Act 1985. The compensation terms will combine fairness to the staff concerned with fairness to the ratepayers who will bear the costs.