HC Deb 11 July 1949 vol 467 cc21-2
45. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Lord President of the Council whether, in view of the proposed repeal of the Local Government (Boundary Commission) Act, 1945, petitions for the grant of Charters of Incorporation presented by the councils of urban districts will now be received and acted upon and, in particular, if such a petition from the Council of the Urban District of Enfield will be considered.

46. Mr. Beswick

asked the Lord President of the Council in view of the proposed dissolution of the Local Government Boundaries Commission, whether any petitions for a Charter of Incorporation from an urban district council will now be considered and a decision given and, in particular, if such a petition from the Urban District Council of Uxbridge will be considered.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

It is, of course, open to the council of an urban district to submit a petition under Section 129 of the Local Government Act, 1933; but in present conditions I cannot hold out any hope that His Majesty would be advised to grant a charter, save in very exceptional circumstances.

Mr. Davies

Is my right hon. Friend aware that for a number of years, in view of the appointment of the Commission, local authorities have held up the filing of these petitions? Can he indicate when it will be possible for the large urban district councils who have so acted to make their petitions in the expectancy that they will be favourably considered?

Mr. Morrison

I see my hon. Friend's point, but the question of policy is one for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health rather than myself, and should really be dealt with by him. It will be remembered that my right hon. Friend said that after the disbandment of the Local Government Commission we should revert to the position which existed before the setting up of the Commission.