§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government when it is expected that proposals will 662 be announced for the reform of the functions of local authorities, and of the machinery for altering the boundaries of local government areas.]
LORD LLOYDMy Lords, these are matters to which the Government will give attention. They see no immediate prospect of announcing proposals or of introducing legislation. They hope, however, without definitely committing themselves to such a course, that it may be possible to do so before the end of the present Parliament.