§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to allow the shadow unitary authorities a say in the duration and value of any contracts awarded after 6 April by regional and district councils in Scotland. [15857]
§ Mr. KynochSection 55 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 requires existing authorities from a date or dates to be specified by my right hon. Friend not to dispose of land for a consideration in excess of £250,000 or to enter into certain contracts without the consent of the relevant successor authority. Factors which will be taken into account by my right hon. Friend in determining the appropriate date or dates will be the need to ensure continuity of existing services, the legitimate interest of shadow authorities in matters which will have a possible bearing on future services, and the ability of400W the shadow authorities to respond expeditiously to issues described in section 55 on which they might be consulted.