§ 27. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he has yet received the report of the Local Government Boundary Commission dealing with the future of Tees-side.
§ Mr. BrookeNo, Sir. I understand that the Commission will be publishing its draft proposals for the North-East later this year. No report will be sent to me until local authorities and other bodies have had a chance to comment on the draft proposals and to discuss them with the Commission.
§ Mr. ChetwyndCan the Minister be a little more specific by what he means by "later this year"? Is he aware that this inquiry has been going on for a considerable time and that there is considerable local public interest and, indeed, anxiety? Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Commission to get a move on and let us know its proposals as soon as possible?
§ Mr. BrookeNo, I do not think that it would be right for me to ask the Commission to get a move on. As the whole House knows, it is engaged on important and sometimes delicate tasks. I am sure that the Commission will make public its draft proposals as soon as it is in a position to do so.