§ 1. Mr. Iremongerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs when he anticipates being in a position to make a statement of his views on the Report of the Royal Commission on Local Government in Greater London.
§ The Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (Mr. Henry Brooke)I have now received replies from 108 local authorities. Almost all supported the two points that the boroughs and districts should be given greater powers, and that for some purposes Greater London needs to be treated as a single entity with an overall authority within the local government structure. Widely different views were expressed about the nature, area and functions of any such authority.
Opinion was almost equally divided for and against a directly elected council for Greater London. Many of the critics of it supported an alternative plan for a joint board to co-ordinate the activities of the county and county borough councils in a limited field: broad town planning questions, co-ordination of overspill, major traffic matters and planning of main roads.
Along with other Ministers I am studying all the replies in detail, and will make a further statement as soon as possible.
§ Mr. IremongerI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. While he is studying this matter with his right hon. Friends, will he give consideration to a point which is outside the terms of 1102 reference of the Royal Commission, namely, the desirability of putting London transport under the authority of the overall authority for London?
§ Mr. BrookeThat is a different question. I take note of my hon. Friend's idea, and I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport will take note of it, but I do not know what view he will take.