§ 28. Mr. Jayasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs why he has refused to include Battersea in the name of the proposed new London borough made up of Battersea and parts of Wandsworth.
§ Sir K. JosephThere are many ancient and honoured names in London with strong claims to be retained in this way, but I think it is generally agreed that short and simple names are best for local government purposes. In this instance "Wandsworth" appeared to be the most appropriate name for the new borough.
§ Mr. JayIs not that an exceptionally silly Answer, even for a Member of this Government? If the Minister is really so keen on short and simple names, why has he included Chelsea, a smaller area with a smaller population, in the name of the Borough of Kensington?
§ Sir K. JosephI agree that I made an exception in that case—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"]—but there was a combination of reasons. In the case of Chelsea and Kensington both existing councils wanted the double name and there was strong feeling locally. Chelsea has many historical associations and is famous throughout the world as a centre of the arts. For all these reasons in combination, I decided that the exception was justified.
§ Mr. JayIs the Minister aware that all those reasons also apply in the case of Battersea where both councils wanted the other decision, and that his decision has been received with disgust by all parties?