HC Deb 01 March 1971 vol 812 cc1209-10
20. Mr. Probert

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what form his talks with Welsh local authorities on his proposed reform of local government in Wales will take.

Mr. Peter Thomas

I shall decide this in the light of their written comments.

Mr. Probert

Whatever the right hon. and learned Gentleman may decide, will he not consider that it is essential to ensure that discussions will take place before legislation is introduced, and will he give an assurance that no proposals will be discounted even if legislation has to be deferred till after the report of the Crowther Commission?

Mr. Peter Thomas

I think it is important that we should have some finality in this matter. I have written to every local authority asking for its comments by the end of May and, in the light of those representations, I will then consider what consultations should follow.

Mr. Roy Hughes

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman feel that it is about time that he stopped playing party politics and gave up these crude attempts to gerrymander local government boundaries under the guise of reform? Will he appreciate that the level of unemployment in Wales is already making Wales like Northern Ireland, without our having Northern Ireland's corrupt political system as well?

Mr. Peter Thomas

The excessive language which is used by the hon. Gentleman and some of his colleagues in opposition to these proposals has already been commented upon unfavourably in the Press in Wales.

32. Mr. William Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will publish a further White Paper on local government in Wales after his forthcoming consultations with local authorities; how long the consultations are expected to last; which authorities will be consulted; and who will take part in the consultations.

Mr. Peter Thomas

No, Sir. I hope that my consultations with local authorities will be completed this summer. All local authorities in Wales, together with their associations, have been invited to send me their written comments before the end of May. I shall consider whether and with whom to have further consultations in the light of the written comments which I receive.

Mr. William Edwards

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give an assurance that the consultations, when they take place, will be between either himself or the Minister of State and the local authorities and will not be left, as there is a tendency to do at present, to civil servants in the Welsh Office?

Mr. Peter Thomas

I shall have to consider what consultations will be necessary. I hope that either I or my hon. Friend will be able to conduct them.