§ 13. Mr. Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied that local authorities have been given sufficient time to discuss the contents and reply to letter reference B/LGR/3 dated 15th February on the reorganisation of local government; and if he will make a state ment.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithYes, Sir.
§ Mr. EwingDoes the Under-Secretary of State accept that there appears to be a misunderstanding about the dates by which local authorities have to reply to the circular? The copy in the Library bears a date towards the end of April whereas the date on the copy which has been sent to local authorities is 31st March. This may mean that some local authorities will be able to have only one meeting to discuss the circular while others are able to have two meetings. Would not an extension to the end of April be advisable?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithIf the hon. Gentleman has an example of specific confusion about this, I shall be glad to look into it. It is quite clearly stated that in the West Region we hope to have representations by the end of April and in the other areas by the end of March. We are embarking on a very big and complicated operation. Unfortunately, although legislation is still some time ahead, the timetable is relatively short.