§ 17. Mr. Probertasked the Secretary of State for Wales what action he is taking to prevent possible disruption of local government services to the community when the local government reform measures begin to take effect in 1973–74.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattExisting local authorities will operate until 1st April, 1974. Elections to the new authorities will take place in the spring of 1973 so that there need be no disruption when they take over on 1st April, 1974. Staff interests are the concern of the Staff Commission-designate which is already at work.
§ Mr. ProbertIs the hon. Gentleman aware that what he has just said does not represent the truth? There is serious concern among staffs and local representatives throughout Wales that chaos will arise if the Government proceed with their timetable for local government reorganisation, housing finance proposals and the reorganisation of the health services? Would it not be far more responsible and wiser to suspend certain proposals until the local government authorities are themselves adequately organised to deal with the new proposals?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI assure the hon. Gentleman that my original Answer was truthful. What he asks is a far wider matter which, if he will put down a Question, I will look into.