§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether the national code of local government conduct—DOE circular 8/90—applies to the flood defence committees of the National Rivers Authority;
(2) what advice she has given to county councils regarding the national code of local government conduct —DOE circular 8/90—and the benefits that farmers and landowners may receive from the National Rivers Authority flood defence operations.
§ Mr. JackThe code does not apply directly to the flood defence committees of the National Rivers Authority, but members of local authorities appointed to the committees are subject to the provisions in paragraph 33 of the code. No advice has been given to county councils regarding the code in relation to the flood defence operations of the National Rivers Authority because the pecuniary interests of all members cif flood defence committees are governed by provisions in sections 94 to 98 of the Local Government Finance Act 1972 and these provisions are specifically included in the terms of appointment issued to ministerial appointees.