HC Deb 01 February 1971 vol 810 cc1245-6
32. Mr. Alec Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he intends to publish his proposals on the reform of local government in Wales.

Mr. Peter Thomas

I hope to announce my proposals for local government reform in Wales this month.

Mr. Jones

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman take it that we on this side would even be prepared to accept a delay in any such announcement if we could be assured that his proposals for reform of local government in Wales, when announced, will include some element of financial reform to ensure that our local authorities have sufficient finance to carry out essential services, services which are now being undermined by actions of the present Government?

Mr. Peter Thomas

That is a somewhat different subject from my proposals for local government reorganisation. I hope that my proposals will be announced very shortly.