HL Deb 13 March 1951 vol 170 c1029

2.36 p.m.

LORD MERTHYR

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether it is a fact that Circular No. 81, issued by the Ministry of Town and Country Planning on February 17, 1950, and sent for information to all parish councils and parish meetings in England and Wales has not yet reached the parish councils and parish meetings in the County of Gloucester; and, if it has not, what is the reason for the delay, and what steps are proposed to be taken to effect delivery.]

THE PAYMASTER-GENERAL (LORD MACDONALD OF GWAENYSGOR)

My Lords, I understand that Circular No. 81, and the accompanying memorandum, which concern the survey to be made of public rights of way, have not been sent by the Gloucestershire County Council to their parish councils and meetings, although my right honourable friend asked that that should be done. Moreover, it was agreed in advance with the County Councils Association that the circular and memorandum should be sent out through the county councils, and I am informed that all other county councils have observed this agreement and have passed on copies of the circular to their parish councils and meetings. My right honourable friend has no power to compel Gloucester County Council to do what all other county councils have done.