§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what administrative support will be made available to an adjudicator appointed to fulfil the functions described in part I of the Local Government and Housing Act.
§ Mr. David HuntThe adjudicator is being given the administrative support reasonably necessary to enable him to fulfil his duties.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what remuneration will be made to an adjudicator appointed under part I of the Local Government and Housing Act.
§ Mr. David HuntThe adjudicator is being paid on a fee basis at a rate equivalent to the salary of grade 3 in the Civil Service.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what timetable an adjudicator appointed to fulfil the functions described in part I of the Local Government and Housing Act is required to work to when producing guidance for local authorities on part I of the Act and when setting up the appeals procedure referred to in section 3.
§ Mr. David HuntSection 3(1)(a) of the Local Government Act 1989 provides that the issue of general advice is at the discretion of the adjudicator; the timetable for this is therefore a matter for him. Section 3(7) of the Act requires him to give priority, according to the time available before the election, to applications from those86W who certify that they are candidates in a forthcoming election. Subject to that, the timetable for dealing with applications is a matter for the adjudicator.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment where the office of the adjudicator appointed to fulfil the functions described in part I of the Local Government and Housing Act will be situated; and how those wishing to appeal will contact him.
§ Mr. David HuntThe Department has written to all local authorities involved giving details of the adjudicator's address. This is room 246, Lambeth bridge house, London SE1 7SB. The telephone number for inquiries is 01–238 4316. I understand that the adjudicator will shortly be writing to local authorities and trade unions involved about the procedures he wishes to follow.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment who an adjudicator appointed to fulfil the functions described in part I of the Local Government and Housing Act, will consult when drawing up the guidance on political restrictions to be issued to local authorities.
§ Mr. David HuntSection 3(1)(a) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 provides that the adjudicator is to consult such representatives of local government and such organisations appearing to him to represent employees in local government as he considers appropriate. The choice of persons and organisations to be consulted is therefore for the adjudicator.