HC Deb 09 June 1971 vol 818 cc1029-30
23. Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will be commencing consultations with members of local authorities and councillors on the timing of elections, following the reorganisation of local government.

Mr. Peter Walker

This is one of the matters on which I have already sought the views of the local authority associations and other interested bodies.

Mrs. Oppenheim

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is generally felt that these discussions should take place as quickly as possible to allay the considerable uncertainties and apprehensions which exist? Can he say whether these discussions are likely to result in an early decision with regard to aldermanic elections?

Mr. Walker

I do not think that anybody could accuse me of going too slowly in my consultations on local government reform, but I agree with my hon. Friend that there is a need to try to come to decisions on this topic and to announce them as quickly as possible.

24. Miss Fookes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has now received from local authorities on the distribution of functions in the reorganisation of local government in response to his Circular 8/71.

Mr. Graham Page

Circular 8/71 sought views only on proposed new areas, though a number of authorities have taken the opportunity to comment also on the allocation of functions. My right hon. Friend is in consultation with the local authority associations on the allocation of functions.

Miss Fookes

Will the Government take action if certain local authorities, or a number of them, are worried about the distribution of functions, or is it completely, signed, sealed and settled already?

Mr. Page

No, indeed it is not. My hon. Friend will know the difference between a White Paper and a Green Paper. On several occasions I have remarked that the back page of the White Paper, which sets out the functions, is tinged with green.

Mr. Crosland

The whole House will be relieved to hear that the matter is not signed, sealed and settled already. What reply has the hon. Gentleman given to the overwhelmingly powerful representations from Grimsby as to both functions and powers?

Mr. Page

None.