HC Deb 08 February 1978 vol 943 cc1447-8
19. Mr. Palmer

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will announce his proposals for the reorganisation of local government responsibilities in relation to the city of Bristol and the county of Avon, in view of their bearing on future electoral arrangements for Bristol now under consideration by the Boundary Commission.

Mr. Shore

The possibility of limited changes in local government responsibilities is under review. Consultations are taking place between those Ministers responsible for local government functions and the local authority associations and other bodies. The Prime Minister has asked me to co-ordinate this matter and I shall report to the House as soon as I am able to do so. I cannot yet say when this will be.

Mr. Palmer

Did my right hon. Friend learn from his recent visit to Bristol the strong feelings there about the present misgovernment of the area because of the confused division of responsibilities be tween Bristol and Avon, which is apparently now going to result in a reduction in the number of elected representatives on the Bristol City Council, which once had almost total powers?

Mr. Shore

I recognise the strong feelings that exist in local authorities, not only among Labour supporters but among Conservative supporters, in favour of a change. I cannot prejudge the results of the consultations to which I have referred, but I cannot think that there is any authority with a stronger case for some change in terms of an increase in its powers than the city of Bristol, with its size, resources and proven competence.