§ Mr. Norman HoggTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what plans he has to make regulations governing the vetting of qualifications, claimed by applicants to senior and promoted posts in local government; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what assessment he has made of the arrangements made by local authorities to vet the qualifications of applicants for professional posts in local government; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what advice he has given to local authorities on the vetting of professional qualifications claimed by applicants for promoted posts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 7 February 1994]: It is for local authorities, as independent corporate bodies, responsible for the appointment of staff, to arrange to vet the qualifications of job applicants as they consider necessary. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has no locus in this matter.