HC Deb 15 February 1994 vol 237 cc680-1W
Mr. Donohoe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set out his intentions for the future of the public analyst, agricultural analyst and regional chemist services under the proposed local government reorganisation in Scotland.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 14 February 1994]: Each local authority requires a public analyst service for both statutory and non-statutory functions and under current arrangements this service is provided by four laboratories based in Strathclyde, Lothian, Tayside and Grampian regions. The remaining regions, districts and islands councils use the services of these laboratories. This arrangement illustrates the very effective co-operation which can exist between authorities, which I would expect to continue and develop under the proposed new single-tier structure.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what response he has made to the document on "Local Government Reform and Planning", sent to him by Professor Brian Parnell of Stirling and the university of Strathclyde.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 14 February 1994]: My right hon. Friend has not yet received this document.