HC Deb 03 December 1975 vol 901 cc1676-8
15. Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will bring forward legislation to make non-elected statutory authorities more answerable to their relevant county councils.

Mr. John Silkin

The accountability of non-elected statutory authorities will be a matter for consideration in the light of the forthcoming consultations on devolution in England.

Mr. Ross

I welcome the Minister's reply, but I fear that this matter may take a long time to get off the ground. Is the Minister aware of the considerable frustration that is felt, at both district and county level, about the activities of some regional bodies? Does he not think that the time is now due to increase the ratio of elected members on those bodies, as opposed to those who are directly centrally appointed, as was originally envisaged under the Local Government Act 1972?

Mr. Silkin

I have a great deal of sympathy with much of the philosophy underlying what the hon. Gentleman said. However, the issues which he has raised seem to be very wide, and I am sure that they will receive close attention in the consultation paper on devolution in England, when that comes out. I have no doubt that both he and many local authorities will not be slow in giving their views on that matter.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Is it possible for my right hon. Friend to consider what might be done to bring regional economic advisory councils rather more up to date and make them rather more effectively democratic?

Mr. Silkin

I should have thought that the regional economic planning councils were part of the general look which will be required when the question of devolution in England is considered. I have no doubt that this matter will be raised at that time.

Mr. Richard Wainwright

Will the Minister respond to the widespread and very natural concern that in many areas decisions about the fluoridation of water supplies are being taken by entirely nominated bodies, without any reference to elected representatives?

Mr. Silkin

We shall be issuing a consultation document on the water industry early next year. I have no doubt that there will be many representations at that time, along the lines which the hon. Gentleman and, indeed, many other hon. Members have put forward.

Mr. Ronald Atkins

Will my right hon. Friend also consider making non- elected statutory bodies more accountable to the Minister, bearing in mind that the Central Lancashire Development Corporation operates largely as an independent cabal, although it affects the lives of half a million people?

Mr. Silkin

I know of my hon. Friend's great interest and very strong views about this matter, but there is always a balance to be considered. There is the balance between accountability of development corporations to the Minister, who, in turn, of course, is accountable to the House, and, at the same time, the natural desire and, indeed, the advantage in local development corporations "ganging their ain gait" and providing the necessary answers—[Interruption.] I thought that was a North Country expression, but it means going their own way—and coming to decisions which closely relate to the individual area. However, I agree with my hon. Friend that the decisions which they make must also strongly reflect the feelings, the desires, the ambitions, and so on, of the people who live in the area.