§ Mr. RandallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what regulations exist to prevent local government officers having the opportunity to draw salaries from privatised companies established by the West Wiltshire district council in addition to their district council salaries.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryUnder section 112 of the Local Government Act 1972, local authority officers are to be appointed on such reasonable terms and conditions, including conditions as to remuneration, as their appointing authority thinks fit.
§ Mr. RandallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what regulations exist which prevent a district council from privatising parts of its function and then allowing a former chief executive from procuring it;
(2) what regulations prevent a district council from disposing of part of its assets to former officers and bypassing tendering procedures.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryAll local authorities are subject to a general fiduciary duty to their ratepayers in managing, and disposing of, their assets. There are no special rules on sales to former officers.
§ Mr. RandallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from residents of west Wiltshire on the conduct of the former chief executive of West Wiltshire district council.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryNone.
§ Mr. RandallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has had discussions with West Wiltshire district council regarding the circumstances under which West Wiltshire Holdings has been wound up.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryNo.
§ Mr. RandallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether his Department has identified the legislative loopholes which were exploited by the West42W Wiltshire district council in order to set up private companies which are now being investigated by the district auditor.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryPart V of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 makes new provision for the regulation of local authority interests in companies.