HC Deb 22 November 1972 vol 846 cc1278-9
15. Mr. Hugh D. Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many working parties, commissions or other organisations are examining proposals for local government reform on which the Secretary of State has representatives; if he will list their remits and functions; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Seven. With permission, I shall publish a list in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Brown

A fairly lengthy list, I suppose. Has the right hon. Gentleman any original ideas—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."] Well, one never knows, and there is always hope. Has the right hon. Gentleman any original ideas as to the best and most effective way of dealing with the reports of the bodies which he has mentioned and for making available reports from other bodies, professional and the like, on which he has no representation, and for ensuring that permanent committee room facilities will be available, complete with visual aids, for those of us who will be on the Committee, so that we may make a good job of the Bill?

Mr. Campbell

I shall do all I can to assist the hon. Gentleman and other hon. Members. However, as he will see from the list which will be published, the working parties cover such matters as the effects of local government reform on regulations for the police service, the lay

Title of Group Function
Working Party on the Lay Summary Courts. To examine arrangements for justice of the peace courts in Scotland and make proposals for changes in these arrangements so that these courts can deal with criminal cases at present dealt with in burgh and justice of the peace courts; and to make suggestions as to changes in the distribution of criminal cases between sheriff and lower summary courts to achieve a more efficient system of summary justice.
Working Party on Civic Government To consider the provision to be made for transferring regulatory powers of existing authorities to the new authorities.
Police Advisory Board for Scotland: Working Party on Local Government Reform To consider matters arising out of local government reorganisation requiring legislation or regulations affecting the police service.
Conference on Local Elections Law To consider various questions arising on local government elections under the new structure.
Committee of Officials on Electoral Procedures To consider detailed changes required to the Scottish local elections rules and arrangements for elections in 1974.
Local Government Finance Advisory Panel To assist the Secretary of State's departments in drawing up advice for the Secretary of State on the financial aspects of local government reorganisation.
Advisory Group of Officials on Study of Scottish Local Authority Management Structures To direct and supervise the study on management structures being conducted by the Scottish Local Government Central Advisory Unit on Management Structures.