HC Deb 19 October 1988 vol 138 cc941-2W
Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if local government officers falling within the politically restricted group as defined in his Department's response to the Widdicombe committee of inquiry, who have been selected to contest elections prior to the enactment of legislation arising from this response, will be required to resign their positions or withdraw from being a candidate for the election.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The White Paper "The Conduct of Local Authority Business" (Cm. 433, paragraph 5.23) sets out the Government's proposal: local authority officers holding a post in the politically restricted group will not be capable of being elected as an MEP, MP or member of a principal local authority at or after the next election occurring after the legislation comes into force.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions his officials have had prior to his response to the Widdicombe committee of inquiry, with the International Labour Organisation concerning the implications of imposing political restrictions on the existing contracts of employment of affected local government officers.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

None.