HC Deb 28 June 1962 vol 661 cc1357-8
30. Mr. Cleaver

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to set up a separate Boundary Commission for the Midlands.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Charles Fletcher-Cooke)

No, Sir.

Mr. Cleaver

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware of the immense amount of work which the Boundary Commission has to carry out in the City of Birmingham? Is he aware that following the alteration to the ward boundaries the position will be that some hon. Members of this House will represent wards which will no longer exist and that some electors will vote in one ward at municipal elections and in another at General Elections? In view of this uncertainty, can my hon. and learned Friend say when the Boundary Commission is likely to report?

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

This must be entirely a matter for the Commission. Parliament has been careful to make it an independent body not subject to any Ministerial direction. When the Commission intends to make a report it is obliged to inform my right hon. Friend. But it has not done so yet.

Mr. Cleaver

Will my hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that thirteen constituencies are involved in this matter; that immense difficulties are created for the town clerk's department and that we should like the uncertainty allayed?

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

We are well aware of the difficulties in this matter. Anyone who wishes the Boundary Commission to take action should write to the Secretary of the Commission at Somerset House. If any representations are made to my right hon. Friend, they will be forwarded to the Commission at that address.

Mr. V. Yates

If such representations are made, will the Minister bear in mind that if the Boundary Commission were to carry out a major scheme in Birmingham before the end of the ten years which the Minister has promised would elapse, it would be a very serious matter for Birmingham and there would be a second dispute?

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

I cannot take sides in this dispute. It would be quite improper for the Government to urge the Commission to go either speedily or slowly. Parliament has made quite clear that in this delicate matter the Commission must be completely and utterly independent.