HC Deb 19 December 1986 vol 107 cc787-8W
Mr. Allan Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what redundancy payments are being made to staff at the Health Education Council.

Mr. Newton

Most members of staff will be offered the opportunity of transferring to the new authority with full continuity of employment. The Employment Protection (Consolidation) Act 1978 provides that redundancy

Causes
Number of Giros delivered late in Scotland Adverse Weather Rail Delay Industrial Action en Route Problems of delivery by Post Office Other
November 1985 743 3 10
December 1985 60 17
January 1986 438 17
February 1986 900 9
March 1986 1,345 1 3
April 1986 201 2 8
May 1986 208 20
June 1986 951 14 1
July 1986 772 11
August 1986 407 7 11 1
September 1986 1,216 14
October 1986 705 14
Total 7,946 3 3 7 156 2

Figures for the previous two years covering the whole of the distribution area from Livingston show a similar pattern.

Additionally a bag of mail for Edinburgh which left Livingston at 2.30 pm on Friday 12 December and arrived in Edinburgh by Saturday morning was not delivered until Monday. Local office and social services staff made emergency payments and I am most grateful to them for their patience and co-operation.

payments are not payable in such cases. The statutory entitlements of any members of staff who do not take up appointment with the new body will be met.

Mr. Allan Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when appointments will be made to the special health authority which is to replace the Health Education Council.

Mr. Newton

My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to make an announcement shortly.