HC Deb 17 April 1935 vol 300 cc1849-51
Mr. LANSBURY

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to announce the names of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the arrangements for local government on Tyneside and in the county borough of Merthyr Tydvil, and the precise terms of reference?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, Sir. The King has been pleased to approve the setting up of Royal Commissions to undertake both these inquiries.

The terms of reference for the Tyneside inquiry are: To examine the system of local government in the areas of local government north and south of the River Tyne from the sea to the boundary of the rural districts of Castle Ward and Hexham in the county of Northumberland and to the Western boundary of the county of Durham, to consider what changes, if any, should be made in the existing arrangements with a view to securing greater economy and efficiency, and to make recommendations The members of the Commission will be:

  • The Right Hon. Sir Sidney Rowlatt (Chairman),
  • Sir Angus Scott, and
  • Mr. C. H. Roberts.
The terms of reference for the Merthyr Tydvil inquiry are: To investigate and report whether the existing status of Merthyr Tydvil as a county borough should be continued, and if not, what other arrangements should be made for its local government, regard being had to its own interests and to those of the surrounding counties and county districts. The member of the commission will:

  • Sir Arthur Lowry and
  • Mr. J.T. Richards.

Mr. LANSBURY

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether under these terms of reference the Commissioners will be able to investigate the causes which have led to the necessity for these inquiries?

The PRIME MINISTER

I should not think so, but perhaps my right hon. Friend will address that question to the Minister of Health, whose Department is responsible.

Mr. LANSBURY

I think that we may have to put down a Motion objecting to these terms of reference, because, in our view, the conditions which have brought these two districts into the position in which they now are should be investigated in order to prevent such things happening in future.

Mr. THORNE

Will it be in the power of the Commissioners under the terms of reference to recommend that Merthyr Tydvil should lose its charter?

The PRIME MINISTER

It will be within the power of the Commissioners to recommend anything within the terms of reference, which are very wide in that respect.

Mr. STEPHEN DAVIES

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us a little more information about Mr. Richards?

The PRIME MINISTER

Mr. Richards is a practising solicitor in Cardiff. He was Lord Mayor of Cardiff in 1914 and is chairman of the court of referees under the Unemployment Insurance Act.

Mr. BATEY

Have the local authorities on Tyneside expressed their willingness for this inquiry? [HON. MEMBERS "Oh!"] Why not?

Mr. MORGAN JONES

Will it not be possible to put on the Commission of inquiry into Merthyr Tydvil some person who is in sympathy with the Labour view?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am afraid I am not able to answer that question. The Commissioners were selected on account of their local government experience.