§ Mr. Perkinsasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the steps taken by the Gloucester City Council for a Bill to extend the city boundaries; and whether, in view of the Government's intention to publish a White Paper and to introduce legislation at an early date on the question of boundary extensions, facilities will be given to the city council to proceed in accordance with Sub-section (2) of the Section 254 of the Local Government Act, 1933, or otherwise, having regard to the opposition and extensive legal proceedings the Bill would involve at a time when local authorities are urged to observe the strictest economy in expenditure and their staffs are depleted.
§ Mr. WillinkUnless there had been failure to comply with statutory formalities, I should hesitate to withhold my approval under the provision mentioned and thus to debar a local authority from its right of access to Parliament. I hope, however, that, in the light of the Government's proposals, which will shortly be presented to Parliament, the City Council of Gloucester and the other local authorities affected will be able to arrive at some accommodation which will avoid the expense of controversial legislation.