HL Deb 14 December 1998 vol 595 cc1097-8

Lord Pender asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the reason for the proposed division of the Cinque Port of Sandwich into two electoral constituencies for district council elections.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Lord Whitty)

My Lords, I understand that Dover District Council has made an order dividing the parish of Sandwich into two parish wards. Such decisions as to parish warding and the reasons for them are, under the statute, matters for the district councils concerned and for which the council is accountable in local elections.

Lord Pender

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that Answer. Following the voting down of this proposal by the local residents by a 3:1 margin, and the fact that the status quo was accepted by the local officers only to be overruled by the leader of Dover District Council, does not the Minister consider that that might be construed as gerrymandering?

Lord Whitty

My Lords, I do not see how the matter can be construed as gerrymandering because it has no implications for the structure of the district council itself; it simply relates to the town council of Sandwich. Although it is true that the majority of those who responded to consultation were against the measure, that did not constitute the majority of those whose views were sought. As I say, it is a matter for the district council under the legislation passed in 1997.

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, is the Minister aware that my name is Trumpington of Sandwich? Is it usual to split electoral constituencies where the population is under 4,000? The population of Sandwich is 3,836. Is the Minister further aware that Sandwich people very much resent being bullied against their will by Dover District Council?

Lord Whitty

My Lords, in this context the town council in Sandwich is a parish council, despite its glorious history; and, as I understand it, it is quite common to have smaller parishes than is envisaged in this case. I am aware of some of the local feeling, but at the end of the day this is a matter for Dover District Council.

Lord Cocks of Hartcliffe

My Lords, I wonder whether the Minister can advise me, because it seems to me that this Question has no bearing on ministerial responsibility. I am anxious to get some publicity for the proposed closure of two schools in Bristol—Merrywood and Pen Park—which I think is a disgrace. However, I do not think I can ask a Question about that directly. Can the Minster advise me how I might go about this?

Lord Whitty

My Lords, I rather feel that the noble Lord has done pretty well without any advice from me. The tabling of Questions and the acceptability of Questions is a matter for the House authorities rather than for me.

The Earl of Sandwich

My Lords, further to the comments of the noble Baroness, Lady Trumpington, does the Minister agree that the sandwich has always traditionally been divided into two and what matters to the people is the filling in the middle?

Lord Whitty

My Lords, the noble Earl speaks from authority on this matter. I note his concern.

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