§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he has given to the setting up of a staff commission and a property commission to make recommendations in relation to the transfer of staff and property to the new authorities in his local government reorganisation.
§ Mr. StewartI have already announced that an independent staff commission will be set up to oversee the transfer of staff to the new councils. The Scottish Office will shortly be consulting the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and staff representatives on the remit and membership of such a body. My right hon. Friend also proposes to take powers to enable him to establish a property commission to oversee the transfer of property to the new councils. It is intended that the need for such a body should be the subject of discussions with local government in due course.