§ 37. Mr. WatsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what change he expects in the overall numbers of staff employed by local authorities in Scotland following the introduction of single-tier local government. [13662]
§ Mr. KynochThe numbers of staff employed will depend on decisions yet to be made by the new authorities, but overall it is estimated that local government reorganisation could lead to a reduction of between 200 and 1,800 in the present work force of around 300,000. In addition, approximately 7,000 staff will transfer from local authorities to the new water and sewerage authorities and the Scottish Childrens Reporter Administration. Further transfers may arise as a result of proposals still under consideration for the maintenance of trunk roads.