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WALES

Elected Mayors

Mr. Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the Local Government Association with regard to the introduction of elected mayors in Wales. [115583]

9 May 2000 : Column: 384W

Mr. Hanson: I have discussed this and other issues relating to the Local Government Bill in a series of meetings with the Welsh Local Government Association over the last few months.

Mr. Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for the remuneration of elected mayors in Wales. [115581]

Mr. Paul Murphy: The level of remuneration of elected mayors will be for their own local authorities to determine. The National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Local Government Association are in the process of setting up a review of special responsibility allowances, which will recommend appropriate levels of allowances for senior councillors, including elected mayors. It is intended that the result of the review will be published before the summer.

Local Government

Mr. Barry Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary concerning the efficacy of the cabinet system in the management of local government in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [118187]

Mr. Hanson: I am in regular contact with the Assembly Secretary for Local Government, Peter Law, over the provisions of the Local Government Bill which include provision for new executive structures for councils. The Government are committed to the modernisation of local government in England and Wales, and the new executive structures are vital to the overall aims of transparency, efficiency and accountability.

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