§ 26. Mr. Andersonasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will withdraw his proposal to transfer the rating function to county councils in Wales.
§ The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mrs. Eirene White)Yes, Sir. In view of the unanimous opposition of the local authority associations and the almost unanimous opposition of the individual local authorities directly concerned, and because the proposal is not an integral part of the structure proposed for Wales, my right hon. Friend has decided not to proceed further with it in the context of the present proposals for local government reorganisation in Wales.
§ Mr. AndersonMay I congratulate my hon. Friend on being big enough to change her mind in the face of informed local opinion on this topic?
§ Mrs. WhiteAs my hon. Friend is aware, there were very lengthy discussions on the matter, but I believe that my right hon. Friend has reached the right conclusion.
§ Mr. James GriffithsWould my hon. Friend bear in mind in the discussions taking place that, if we are to have a two-tier structure in local government, it is essential that the second tier should have some responsibility and authority, otherwise it will be useless?
§ Mrs. WhiteIt was for that reason that the Secretary of State reached this conclusion.