HC Deb 19 July 1966 vol 732 cc363-4
11. Mr. Rowland

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will now recommend the appointment to the Royal Commission on Local Government in England of a member particularly familiar with the views of rural district councils.

Mr. Crossman

The Royal Commission as constituted is, I believe, well fitted for its task. I do not think further appointments are necessary or desirable.

Mr. Rowland

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his Reply will give acute disappointment to all rural district councils, including those of Meriden and Atherstone in my constituency? Is this ommission by accident or design? How far does he feel that acceptance of the Commission's findings will be affected by this omission, which has caused a good deal of puzzlement and concern?

Mr. Crossman

I think my hon. Friend misunderstands the way in which Royal Commissions are selected. They are not bodies on which representatives of all the associations concerned sit; otherwise we would not get independent reports. No representatives of any association are on the Commission, although some members of the Commission are also members of various associations. I am convinced that those I have selected are independent. Five out of the 12 live in the country and have worked there, so they know the work of the rural areas extremely well.

Mr. Ridsdale

Has not the right hon. Gentleman's enthusiasm for reform waned since 1st April? When can we expect the report of the Royal Commission?

Mr. Crossman

There is no waning of my enthusiasm. We have done our job in setting up the Commission. It is at work now, and I hope to get its report, as I said in April, in the winter in 1968.