HC Deb 25 April 1972 vol 835 cc252-3W
Mr. William Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has now appointed his proposed advisory committee to consider proposals for the reorganisation of local government; what is its numerical strength and composition; and if he will make a statement at an early date.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

I hope to announce shortly the names of the persons to be appointed to a committee whose purpose will be to advise me on the electoral areas to be prescribed for the first elections to the proposed new local authorities in Scotland.

Mr. William Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is seeking the views of political parties in his consideration of electoral boundaries for the reorganisation of local government.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

The political party organisations have been informed of the draft proposals which are at present being discussed with local authorities. When these consultations have been completed and the proposals considered by the advisory committee which is shortly to be established for the purpose of giving me independent advice on these matters, a scheme for each area will be published in draft. An opportunity will then be given for the lodging of objections and there will be further consideration by the advisory committee before orders are made defining the electoral areas for the elections to be held in 1974.

Mr. MacArthur

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in view of his proposals that elections for membership of the new authorities to be established under the legislation for the reform of local government in Scotland should take place in 1974, what action he proposes to take on the elections for the existing authorities due in that year and in 1973.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

It is intended that the Bill for the reform of local government in Scotland should provide for the suspension of elections for membership of the existing authorities after the end of 1973 and for the continuation in office of the councillors who would ordinarily be due to retire in 1974. The elections due in 1973 will take place in the usual way.