§ 3.18 p.m.
§ Baroness Thomas of Walliswoodasked Her Majesty's Government:
§ What consultations took place before the Secretary of State for the Environment announced on 22nd June that the district of Spelthorne in the county of Surrey would be added to the list of reviews to be considered by the Local Government Commission with effect from the beginning of July.
Lord LucasMy Lords, we decided that the case for a review of Spelthorne was made in the written representations we received and from the evidence presented by the Local Government Commission in its final report for Surrey.
§ Baroness Thomas of WalliswoodMy Lords, I accept that in his announcements on 2nd and 21st March the Secretary of State did not promise to consult on the rare additional requests for reviews from districts not individually named in the announcements. However, does the noble Lord recall that Spelthorne has a population of only about 90,000? That is many fewer than any of the six unitaries into which Berkshire may be divided and which, in his announcement, the Secretary of State compared with Spelthorne. There are probably fewer—
§ Baroness Thomas of WalliswoodMy Lords, is the Minister aware that Spelthorne also has fewer inhabitants than all the 20 other districts which are being referred to the new review process? Is he also aware that by far the largest number of those who replied to the MORI poll during the initial consultation were in favour of retaining the status quo? Has the Minister considered—
§ Baroness Thomas of WalliswoodMy Lords, I hope that the Minister will be able to reply. Perhaps I may write to him putting the questions that I was not able to ask.
Lord LucasMy Lords, as the noble Baroness is doubtless aware, my right honourable friend acts in these matters as the final judge and jury when the commission reports. I therefore do not wish to be drawn on any of the particular matters that she raises. We are well aware that Surrey County Council opposes the idea that Spelthorne should be a unitary authority. We await the report of the commission, and I hope that my right honourable friend will arrive at an answer that is satisfactory to all.
§ Lord MonkswellMy Lords, is the noble Lord aware that the Minister is not the final judge and jury on these matters? It is Parliament that is the final judge and jury.
§ Baroness Farrington of RibbletonMy Lords, is the Minister able to tell the House whether exactly the same consultation took place in the case of this district of Surrey as took place with all the other districts and counties in England before the Secretary of State made his decision?