§ MR. CAVE (Surrey, Kingston)I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether he 1619 has expressed agreement with the proposals recently brought before him by a deputation of London Liberal Members, including proposals for a wider extension of the area of the county of London; whether he contemplates dealing with the question of extension by means of a Government Bill; and whether, before coming to a decision on the matter, he will take steps to ascertain, by public inquiry or otherwise, the opinion of the inhabitants and local authorities of the districts which it may be proposed to bring into the London area.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANA wider extension of the area of the county of London was one of the many objects brought before me by a deputation of London Members, and I agree with them that it is a desirable object, but the Government have come to no conclusion as to the time at which or the form in which it may be best attained.
§ MR. CAVEasked if the Prime Minister could give him the assurance he had asked for in the latter part of the Question.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANreplied that naturally the views of the population in the districts concerned would be an important factor in the situation.
§ * MR. REES (Montgomery Boroughs)asked if the right hon. Gentleman would see that the feeling of the inhabitants of the suburban districts, in respect of the drastic and far-reaching changes proposed, was not overlooked?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANIf the suburban Members come to me in the same way that the London Members have done, I shall be happy to receive them.