HC Deb 16 November 1954 vol 533 cc212-3
31. Mr. Pannell

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he proposes to bring before this House proposals for legislation to reform local government.

Mr. Sandys

I shall shortly be making a statement about the Government's intentions in regard to this problem.

Mr. Pannell

Will the right hon. Gentleman, before he makes that statement, bear in mind the assurances which were given by his predecessor during the passage of the Luton Corporation Bill, that he would never again ask the House of Commons to support a Bill for county borough status merely on the grounds that general legislation was expected, and will he accept that, generally speaking, local government does expect something on general lines at least in 1955 in furtherance of the implied pledge of his predecessor.

Mr. Sandys

Of course, I will gladly bear in mind all those considerations.

39. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if, before formulating legislation for the reorganisation of local government, he will cause a White Paper to be issued, or other appropriate steps taken, to enable the issues to be thoroughly examined and debated, both inside and outside Parliament.

Mr. Sandys

In his Question, my hon. and gallant Friend assumes that there is going to be legislation. If he be correct, he may likewise assume that such legislation would be preceded by a White Paper.

Brigadier Medlicott

Is my right hon. Friend aware that on this subject there are great differences of opinion, not so much on party lines as between town and country, and that very full discussion would not only clarify some of the issues, but would help by indicating at least what common ground may exist between the various types of local authorities?

Mr. Sandys

Before committing myself to any statement on this matter, I thought it would be well to go into the whole problem with representatives of the local authorities. I have arranged a meeting with them tomorrow morning.