§ 26. Mr. HICKSasked the Minister of Health seeing that on 16th June he communicated with the Metropolitan mayors on the question of the collection and disposal of refuse, and that on 13th June Lord Jessel, President of the London Municipal Society, explained the Minister's proposals to a meeting of Municipal Reform party leaders, in addition to certain questions affecting the proposed transfer of powers from the London County Council to the Metropolitan 1998 Borough Councils, whether the Minister communicated his policy to the London Municipal Society or Lord Jessel before officially communicating with the local authorities or with the London Labour party; and, if so, for what reason?
Sir H. YOUNGWhat I have done is to request all the Metropolitan mayors to meet me in Conference on the question of London refuse, as a preliminary to the formation of a common policy. In these circumstances, the question raised by the hon. Member does not seem to me to arise.
§ Mr. HICKSDo I understand, from the right hon. Gentleman's answer, that the statement was not available prior to the meeting of the Metropolitan mayors?
§ Mr. HICKSI am sorry to trouble the right hon. Gentleman, but is he aware that this statement was officially communicated to a meeting on the 13th, three days prior to the meeting of the Metropolitan mayors?