asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, in view of the prespective abolition of approximately 60 local authorities in the Greater London area, what action he proposes to take to allay the anxiety of the staff of all local authorities in the area; and if he will give an assurance that Her Majesty's Government will ensure that there will be opportunities for reasonably comparable employment or adequate compensation.

No doubt the staff required by the new authorities to be created in Greater London will be recruited very largely from persons already serving in local government in that area. I recognise, however, that there will be considerable disturbance and difficult adjustments for some staff, although the reorganisation will also create new opportunities for service. The Government are studying the whole question. The legislation which will be introduced to give effect to the changes in organisation will certainly contain provision for compensation in respect of loss of employment or reduction in pay arising from the changes.