HC Deb 31 October 1946 vol 428 cc784-5
65. Sir Ian Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made by the Parliamentary Boundary Commission; and when it is expected to complete its task.

Mr. Ede

Publication of the Commission's proposed recommendations affecting all constituencies in England and Wales has been completed. I am not in a position to make any statement about the time which may be required for the consideration of representations and the holding of any local inquiries.

Sir Ian Fraser

Will the Home Secretary assure the House that every reasonable facility is given by the Commissions for hearing local opinion before they make any proposals, and can he say when legislation will be introduced to implement its Report?

Mr. Ede

I have heard from various hon. Members expressions of approval of the way the inquiries have been conducted when the public inquiry stage has been reached. I am not in a position to say when legislation will be introduced.

Mr. Alpass

May I ask the Home Secretary whether it is not a fact that these recommendations of the Boundary Commissioners are based upon the number of electors in 1945, and seeing that there is already taking place a large influx of people—

Mr. Speaker

This Question only asked what progress is being made—not for the details.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

May I ask the Home Secretary whether he would bear in mind that it might be desirable, once the House has had an opportunity of studying the recommendations in detail, to have a Debate before any Bill is introduced?

Mr. Ede

We shall see when we have had an opportunity of considering the final stages of the reports.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that any undue delay on the part of the Government in announcing their decision upon this matter would have a very serious effect?

Mr. Ede

We must wait until we have the reports of the Commissions in our hands. Undoubtedly, the Commissions at this stage are considering the reports that have been made on the public inquiries that have already been held, and no one as yet knows what the result of the inquiries has been.