§ 1. Mr. Worsleyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he has completed his discussions on 'the operation of Clause 76 of the Local Government Act, 1933; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (Mr. Henry Brooke)These discussions are not yet finished. It may be some time before I am in a position to make a statement, but I will do so as soon as I can.
§ Mr. WorsleyWill my right hon., Friend bear in mind the great anxiety felt on this issue in many parts of the country? Will he also realise that the uncertainty that appertains to this subject to some extent is discouraging people from going into local government?
§ Mr. BrookeI hope that nobody will be discouraged on this account. There are difficulties here. I do not think that they are seriously hampering local government work, but I am anxious to complete these consultations and see whether or not any further legislation is required.