§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what guidelines will be issued to the Staff Commission for Wales to ensure equity and parity between existing employees of county councils and district or borough councils; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what criteria will be employed by the Staff Commission for Wales in determining which members of staff should not transfer from existing to new local authorities under the Local Government (Wales) Bill [Lords]; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what guidelines will be issued to protect the employment prospects of those middle management who may be the subject of prior consideration under the staffing provisions of the Local Government (Wales) Bill [Lords]; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesMy right hon. Friend will issue guidance to the Staff Commission after Royal Assent to the Local Government (Wales) Bill(Lords). This will deal, among other things, with staff transfer arrangements, prior consideration, and equality of treatment of county and district staff. The draft guidance issued on 21 April and circulated to all members of Standing Committee A has prompted many representations which are being considered.
My right hon. Friend the Minister of State undertook on 16 June to write to the hon. Member on a number of staffing matters. He will do so shortly, and will place a copy of his letter in the Library of the House.