HC Deb 28 June 1928 vol 219 cc686-7
31. Mr. HURD

asked the Minister of Health by what means he intends to carry out the undertaking of the Government to confer with all the local authorities concerned in the proposed changes in local government areas and services, including roads; and when it is proposed by the Government that any changes resulting from these conferences shall come into operation?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have laid before the House a memorandum, dealing fully wish the proposals of the Government in regard to local government and finance. The memorandum will be circulated to the associations of local authorities, and it is my intention to discuss these proposals with representatives of the associations. As regards the second part of the question, I would ask my hon. Friend to await the publication of the memorandum.

Mr. HURD

I suppose we may take it that these changes cannot possibly come into effect until this House has considered and passed a Bill?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That is true.

Mr. FENBY

As I understood the right hon. Gentleman to say that he will be issuing a memorandum to the local authorities, will be also place copies of it in the Vote Office, so that Members of the House may have an opportunity of reading it?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Copies will be in the Vote Office to-morrow.

Major Sir ARCHIBALD SINCLAIR

Does this memorandum contain the famous formula to which the Chancellor of the Exchequer referred?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, Sir.

Mr. MARDY JONES

Do the words "including roads" mean all roads?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not think that the word "roads" is mentioned in my answer. The hon. Member must ask my hon. Friend who put down the question.

Mr. HURD

We are not to suppose that roads are excluded from the memorandum?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir.