§ 25. Mr. Geoffrey Hutchinsonasked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to announce the names of the persons appointed to inquire into certain aspects of local government within the County of London foreshadowed in the recent White Paper on Local Government; and the terms of reference of this Committee.
§ Mr. WillinkYes, Sir. I am glad to inform the House that Lord Reading has agreed to act as Chairman of the Committee, and with permission I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of the members who have agreed to serve.
1963 The terms of reference of the Committee will be as follow:
To examine and review the number, size and boundaries of the Metropolitan Boroughs and the distribution of functions between the London County Council on the one hand and the Common Council of the City of London and the Metropolitan Borough Councils on the other hand, and to make recommendations.
§ Mr. ShinwellCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman say why we must always have Members of another place to act as chairmen of committees set up by the Government? Is there never an hon. Member who can preside over these deliberations?
§ Mr. WillinkThe last chairman I announced was not a Member of another place.
§ Mr. GallacherWhy is there never an ordinary workman chosen as chairman, and is there any ordinary workman on this Committee?
§ Mr. WillinkPerhaps I have a prejudice in favour of members of my own profession as making admirable chairmen.
§ Following are the names of the members:
- The Marquess of Reading, M.C., K.C. (Chairman).
- Mr. R. H. Adcock, C.B.E.
- Sir E. R. Forber, K.C.B., C.B.E.
- Alderman G. S. Lindgren, J.P.
- Alderman Mrs. O. H. Paterson, O.B.E.