§ 49. Mr. Gordon Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he expects to have completed before he issues his proposed White Paper on the reorganisation of local government.
§ 66. Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied with the time available to local authorities to consider the recommendations of the Wheatley Commission on Local Government in Scotland before the publication of the proposed Government White Paper; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossMy present consultations relate to the Wheatley Commission's proposals regarding the structure of local government and the division of functions. I have invited all interested bodies and authorities to submit observations on these proposals by the end of January; thereafter there will be discussions with the local authority associations before we reach and announce our conclusions. I86W am satisfied that the time allowed for this first round of consultations is adequate and reasonable.