§ 20 and 21. Mr. Marquandasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) on what date he appointed a commissioner, in accordance with the 1346 provisions of Section 25 of the Local Government Act, 1933, to consider a petition presented to him by the county borough of Middlesbrough; and on what dates the said commissioner held a public inquiry as provided for by the Act;
(2) when he received the scheme for the delimitation of ward boundaries in the county borough of Middlesbrough, prepared by the commissioner appointed by him in accordance with Section 25, subsections (3) and (6), of the Local Government Act, 1933.
§ Mr. RentonMy right hon. Friend appointed a commissioner on 7th March, and he held a public inquiry in Middlesbrough on 23rd May. He submitted his scheme to my right hon. Friend and sent a copy to the Town Clerk of Middlesbrough, on 27th November. The scheme, if approved by Her Majesty in Council, will come into effect for the next ordinary election of borough councillors.
§ Mr. MarquandCan the hon. and learned Gentleman explain why this has taken such a long time? Can he explain the delay between March and the holding of the public inquiry, a delay which is inexplicable to people in Middlesbrough?
§ Mr. RentonThese matters necessarily take a good deal of time. The inquiry was held at the earliest date convenient to Mr. Willis, the commissioner, the local authority and other interested parties.