§ 17. Mr. HuttonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the progress being made by the Local Government Commission.
§ Mr. CurryThe Local Government Commission has submitted final recommendations for 10 shire county areas. It is due to announce initial recommendations for a further group of shire counties, including Cumbria, in June.
§ Mr. HuttonI am grateful to the Minister for that reply. Can he give me an assurance that, before any final proposals for Cumbria are made by the Local Government 810 Commission, there will be full and wide public consultation with my constituents and those elsewhere in the county so that the final shape of local government in the county of Cumbria can enjoy widespread and continuing public support?
§ Mr. CurryAs the hon. Gentleman knows, the commission must make initial recommendations and then a final recommendation. Up to that point, there is no role for the Government. When the commission makes its recommendation, we shall consult widely before we lay an order before the House. I expect that the hon. Gentleman will want to make representations at that time, and we will of course listen to him.
§ Mr. Barry FieldWill my hon. Friend ensure that the commission, which is charged with reviewing parish and town council representation in local government areas, points out to Opposition Members that under existing legislation it is possible to call a poll? If local authorities want a poll, they can already have one if they are enparished—rather than listen to the first cuckoos of spring on the Opposition Benches.
§ Mr. CurryMy hon. Friend, who has the advantage of representing an area that is about to be reorganised, speaks from great experience. I defer to his judgment.