§ 11. Mr. Marloweasked the Minister of Local Government and Planning what action is being taken by His Majesty's Government to deal comprehensively with the problem of altering local government boundaries and of creating new county boroughs.
§ Mr. DaltonI would refer the hon. Member to my replies to the hon. and gallant Members for Wembley, North (Wing Commander Bullus), and Norfolk, Central (Brigadier Medlicott), on 1st February last, and to the hon. Member for Cheadle (Mr. Shepherd) on 6th February.
§ Mr. MarloweDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that the present situation is unsatisfactory because the Government are opposing private legislation on the ground that they are going to deal with the whole thing comprehensively themselves? It would be quite all right if the Government did anything, but as they have not dealt with the matter themselves, why should they not let local authorities look after their own business?
§ Mr. DaltonI made observations on this subject in the Sheffield Extension Bill debate, when I said:
On the cold view of political realities there seems no prospect of a major Measure of local government reform passing through this House of Commons."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 14th March. 1951; Vol. 485, c. 1649.]To that view I adhere.
§ Mr. MarloweIs it not exactly the position that the Government are opposing local legislation and are not tackling the problem themselves?
§ Mr. DaltonNo, Sir.