§ 54. Sir W. SUGDENasked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to consolidate the Local Government Acts of England and Wales in order to cheapen administration and assist the public to understand them; and what further steps he is taking to eliminate the overlapping and contradiction of certain Acts dealing with local government, particularly on the meaning of ownership, frontage responsibilities, and certain municipal services?
§ Mr. E. BROWNA Departmental Committee under the chairmanship of Lord Chelmsford was appointed in December, 1930, to review the whole of the Acts relating to local government and public health in England and Wales and to make recommendations for simplifying and clarifying the law with a view to its consolidation. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the committee's task is a formidable one, but my right hon. Friend understands that substantial progress has been made.
§ Sir W. SUGDENIn view of the proverbial slowness of a Commission, may I ask my hon. Friend, who has now come fresh to the Office, if he will ginger up the Commission?
§ Mr. LAWSONIs it not a fact that consolidation usually comes slowly upon the reports of Commissions?