§ 39. Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make an official visit to Portsmouth.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI have no immediate plans to do so, but representatives 431 of both Portsmouth and Southampton local authorities are, with others, having discussions with my hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and Development on Thursday, 6th April, and as the hon. Gentleman knows following a petition he presented to me, I have promised to study the points made in it.
§ Mr. JuddDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that the citizens of Portsmouth would welcome a visit by him at the earliest possible date to study at first hand the adverse impact of the planned reorganisation of local government? Does he realise that there is no direct public transport whatever between Portsmouth and Winchester, the proposed headquarters of the new administrative authority? Will he also undertake to give as speedy a reply as possible on the special rating problems affecting older urban areas such as the City of Portsmouth?
§ Mr. WalkerThe latter point is being considered in terms of the future finance of local government. In reply to the hon. Member's first point, as he knows I have already visited Portsmouth. On 6th April my hon. Friend will be discussing local government reform problems with the councils concerned.