§ LORD CHAMPIONMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it is now possible to announce the names of the first members of the Commission for Local Administration in England.
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, I am glad to be able to tell your Lordships that on the recommendation of my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Her Majesty has approved the appointment of the noble Baroness, Lady Serota, of Hampstead, Mr. Denis Harrison, and Mr. Patrick Cook, to be the first Local Commissioners for the investigation of complaints of maladministration against local authorities and water authorities in England. The noble Baroness will be the Chairman of the Commission and I know your Lordships will join me in wishing her and her colleagues every success in launching this new machinery for the redress of grievances and the strengthening of local government administration.
§ LORD CHAMPIONMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply. I believe I am speaking for the whole House in welcoming the appointment of the noble Baroness, Lady Serota, as the Chairman of this Commission. Her qualities are known to us in all parts of this House. May I also congratulate the Government on securing the services of these two eminent people to serve with her as Commissioners on this important body.
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, I am sure the House will concur with what my noble friend has said. This is a very important appointment or series of appointments. I have no doubt at all of the calibre of those appointed and we can only now wish them good fortune in the very heavy task which undoubtedly confronts them.