HC Deb 18 July 1963 vol 681 c696
2. Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether objectors, other than those indicated in section 23 of the Local Government Act, 1958, will be allowed to give evidence at local inquiries which he will set up to consider objections to the final proposals of the Local Government Commission for Wales.

The Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (Sir Keith Joseph)

It will be open to the persons appointed to hold these inquiries to hear any evidence which they consider relevant.

3. Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many local inquiries he will set up to consider the objections received to the final proposals of the Local Government Com mission for Wales; whether a single inspector will be appointed for all the inquiries; and if he will make a statement.

Sir K. Joseph

Arrangements for public local inquiries, about which local authorities will be consulted, have not yet been made. I expect, however, that it will be necessary to have several separate inquiries and it seems likely that more than one person will be appointed to hold them.

Mr. Watkins

Can the Minister predict how soon these inquiries will take place? As Minister for Welsh Affairs he will understand that there is a great deal of anxiety about the proposals of the Commission at the present time.

Sir K. Joseph

I understand that it must be some months before they can hope to start.