§ 74. Mr. Frank Byersasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Parliamentary Boundary Commission's Report is likely to be put into effect; and whether there is any likelihood of these recommendations being postponed in order to await the recommendations of the Local Government Boundary Commission
§ Mr. EdeI understand that the work of the local Government Boundary Commission is likely to continue for some time, and to postpone redistribution of Parliamentary seats until this work is completed might mean that there would be no redistribution during the lifetime of this Parliament. I am not at present in a position to answer the first part of the Question.
§ Mr. ByersDoes the Home Secretary appreciate the absurdity, of the present situation in which the Parliamentary Boundary Commission are told, as part of their terms of reference, to respect local government boundaries at the same time as another Commission is sitting to change them?
§ Mr. EdeI recognise that in this transitional stage between war and peace these anomalies are bound to arise, but I cannot think that this House would be content to await the redistribution of Parliamentary seats until the Local Government Boundary Commission had made their report.
§ Mr. EdeThat is no responsibility of mine, and the question should be addressed to the Ministry of Health.
§ Brigadier PetoCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any intention to alter the boundaries in the Paddington area?
§ Mr. EdeI sympathise with the hon. and gallant Member in his disappointment, and regret that I cannot anticipate what the Boundary Commission will recommend.