§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance he gives to local authorities on the extent to which more than one chief officer post should be held by the same individual.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleySubject to a few statutory exceptions, local authorities are free to appoint such officers as they think necessary for the proper discharge of their functions. The Government propose in the Local Government and Housing Bill to require each council to appoint a head of its paid service, who will be responsible for advising the council on the organisation, appointment and proper management of the council's staff.