§ Mr. TippingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if it is his policy that chief executive posts in unitary authorities established under the Local Government Act 1992 should be filled by open competition. [29097]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesUnder the Local Government Changes for England (Staff) Regulations 1995, appointments to chief officer posts in unitary authorities established under the Local Government Act 1992 must be made by open competition.
§ Mr. TippingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) when he last met the chairman of the Local Government Commission; [29098]
(2) whether he will call for a report from the Local Government Staff Commission on the steps being taken by shadow unitary authorities to appoint their chief executives. [29099]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesFollowing my last meeting with the staff commission on 23 may 1995, I am satisfied that there is no need at present for fuller investigation of the appointment of chief executives by shadow unitary authorities.
§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the impact of his Department's new draft guidance to the Local Government Commission, on the application of the South Hams district council for unitary status; and if he will make a statement. [29021]
§ Mr. CurryThere is none. The guidance will apply to the reviews of those districts which are selected for review, but it does not have any bearing on the selection process.