§ MR. WHITMORE (Chelsea)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury (1) whether he can state what decision has been arrived at by the Committee of the Privy Council with regard to the petition for a municipal Charter of Incorporation, presented to it by inhabitants of the united parishes of St. Margaret 177 and St. John, Westminster; and if the Committee has decided that it is unable to grant such a charter; (2) and whether, with a view to legislation to enhance the dignity and to increase the powers of the local authorities in London Her Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of appointing a Boundary Commission to inquire awl report what charges should be made in its areas of local administration?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYIn answer to the first paragraph of the Question I am advised that there is no legal power to transfer to any municipality created by charter within the area of London the right to perform municipal duties. With regard to the second paragraph it seems to the Government premature to appoint a Boundary Commission until they have obtained, or are in process of obtaining, statutory powers which they do not at present possess. The subject is one to which the Government are devoting their earnest attention; and the general policy indicated by my hon. Friend's Question is one that has their entire sympathy. ["Hear, hear!"]