HC Deb 24 April 1986 vol 96 cc235-6W
Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to seek to ensure that meetings of the Merseyside Residuary Body are open to the general public.

Mr. Tracey

I have no such plans. Residuary bodies may decide for themselves the arrangements for their meetings, though it is normal practice for non-departmental public bodies, the category to which residuary bodies belong, to hold internal rather than public meetings.

Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the terms and conditions of service of the chairman and members of the Merseyside Residuary Body; and what is their remuneration.

Mr. Tracey

The information as to current remuneration is as follows:

Members and Remuneration to be paid
(per annum) £
Norman Brodrick (Chairman) 17,600
Duncan Forbes 11,200
John Hill 11,200
Bill Hughes 11,200
Leslie Jones 11,200
Kenneth Medlock 11,200
Barrie Marsh 5,600
Councillor Jim Lloyd (Co-ordinating Committee Member) 5,600

Remuneration for the chairman and Messrs Forbes, Hill, Hughes Jones and Medlock is on a two-days-a-week basis; for the other two members, one. Remuneration is subject to review according to changing work load and is subject to abatement, if applicable in respect of public sector pension received.

The provisions governing appointments are given in schedule 13 of the Local Government Act 1985. It would not be appropriate for me to disclose individual terms of appointment.

Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to seek to ensure that the minutes of the Merseyside Residuary Body are made available to the public.

Mr. Tracey

The availability of its minutes is a matter for the Merseyside residuary body.

Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by what means members of the public may obtain information regarding decisions of the Merseyside Residuary Body.

Mr. Tracey

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Banks) on 11 April, at column209.

Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many meetings have taken place between his Department and representatives of the Merseyside Residuary Body since 31 March.

Mr. Tracey

My officials have had frequent meetings with representatives of the Merseyside Residuary Body since 31 March.

Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has issued any directions to the Merseyside Residuary Body as to the disposal of the former accommodation of the Merseyside county council at Metropolitan house, Liverpool; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Tracey

My right hon. Friend has not issued any directions to the Merseyside Residuary Body about Metropolitan house.

Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals are currently being considered by the Merseyside Residuary Body for the removal of the Merseyside county council insignia from buildings, vehicles, hoardings and publications.

Mr. Tracey

This is a matter for the Merseyside Residuary Body.

Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what directions he has given to the Merseyside Residuary Body since 1 April.

Mr. Tracey

None.

Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the machinery by which the Merseyside Residuary Body maintains contact with (a) his Department, (b) the Merseyside task force and (c) the Merseyside metropolitan district councils.

Mr. Tracey

Ministers meet the chairmen of residuary bodies from time to time. Officials of my Department—including those in the Merseyside task force—are in regular contact with the Merseyside Residuary Body. Meetings with the district councils are a matter for the residuary body.