§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the concern 424W expressed in local government circles about the proposed reforms in local government, he will make his policy on the fixture of the number of district authorities more flexible, in order to permit the submission of alternative proposals which seek to make the district authorities more local in character.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellThe White Paper on the Reform of Local Government in Scotland sets out the basic structure which we intend to provide for in our Bill. It also outlines the several subjects still to be considered in consultation with local authorities and others. The White Paper is the outcome of thorough consideration of all the information which has been collected, together with the views which have been expressed, during the past seven and a half years. If, however, there are any entirely new factors to be taken into account I am certainly prepared to examine constructive proposals based upon them.
§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many objections he has received from local authorities and local authority associations to his decision to regard the number of regional and district authorities, outlined in his proposals for local government reform, as firmly fixed.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellEight.