§ 40. Mr. CURRYasked the Minister of Health if he can state the approximate date by which he hopes to conclude his inquiry in connection with the boundaries within the County of Durham as well as the date by which he expects to be able to announce his awards; and whether, in view of the fact that the 534 forthcoming elections may be rendered abortive by the alterations of the boundaries, he intends to take any steps to postpone the elections in order to save avoidable expense?
Sir H. YOUNGThe inquiry was adjourned to enable me to give a ruling on important submissions made by the county council. The time of the conclusion of the inquiry and the announcement of decisions must depend on the length of the proceedings, which should not take much more time. The prolongation of the proceedings has not affected the elections, because any alterations of areas could not be brought into effect this year.