HC Deb 16 June 1971 vol 819 cc429-30
15. Mr. David Clark

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he has had with elected local government representatives in connection with the proposed local government metropolitan district 6d, Huddersfield and Dewsbury area.

Mr. Peter Walker

I am considering the written representations sent by local authorities in the area of the proposed metropolitan district.

Mr. Clark

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister for Local Government and Development is reparted in the Huddersfield Daily Examiner of 12th May as having had a meeting with the elected representatives of Huddersfield Borough Council, and that this has caused deep offence to some of the other urban district councils which would form the larger Huddersfield metropolitan district? Would he now assure us that he will meet other representatives from the metropolitan area to have further discussions on local Government reform?

Mr. Walker

There is no need for anxieties here. Obviously, Ministers from my Department who are at present going to various parts of the country, when visiting a local authority for whatever reason, are willing to discuss with local authority members any topic which it wants to raise. This has occurred on a number of Ministerial visits. It would be impossible to start receiving delegations from all 1,200 local authorities.

Mr. Crosland

In that case, how is it that I know nothing of any Ministerial visit to Grimsby?

Mr. Walker

We have not been invited. I trust that the right hon. Gentleman will arrange an invitation.