§ 23. Dr. ReidTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has recently had with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to discuss the proposed changes to local government in Scotland.
§ Mr. StewartMy right hon. Friend last met the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities on 28 January 1994. The Convention did not raise any issues relating to local government reform at that meeting.
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§ 24. Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next intends to meet representatives of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to discuss local government reform; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartMy right hon. Friend and I are scheduled to meet the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities on 22 July as part of the normal consultation on local government finance matters. It is likely that local government reform will be discussed at that meeting.
§ Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the names and locations of schools which would have catchment areas crossing the local education authority boundaries proposed in the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Bill; and how many pupils will be affected in each case.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonComprehensive information on school catchment areas is not held centrally within the Scottish Office. I cannot therefore add to what I said to the hon. Member during the debate on the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Bill on 18 May. Catchment areas are in any case unaffected by the proposed changes in local government boundaries and catchment areas at the time of local government reorganisation would remain in place unless and until the new authorities seek to change them.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of savings on staff costs through local government reorganisation; and how this was calculated.
§ Mr. StewartThe Government estimate that a 32 unitary authority structure of local government will save up to £52 million per year in staff costs. The savings are calculated to accrue from a reduction in the number of local authority posts of up to 1,800.
§ 38. Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what further representations he has received on his proposals for local government.
§ Mr. StewartMy right hon. Friend continues to receive a range of representations about the Government's proposals for local government reform in Scotland. Since January I have also met 25 hon. Members who accompanied delegations to discuss the new structure.