HC Deb 12 February 1973 vol 850 cc268-9W
Mr. Simon Mahon

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what representations he has received from the County Borough of Bootle concerning a revision of representation from Southport Corporation on the new District 11 a; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what representations he has received from the County Borough of Southport in relation to changes in numbers of councillors on both district and metropolitan levels; what reply he has sent; if he envisages consultations with other constituent bodies in the new District 11a before finalizing his decision; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Carlisle

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary received requests from Southport that its representation on the district council (but not on the county council) should be increased, and all local authorities to be incorporated in the district have been informed that he has accepted a revised recommendation of the advisory committee to that effect. I have since received a request from Bootle that the committee should reconsider its representation on the county and district councils, and a request from the hon. Member that I should discuss the whole matter with him, which I shall be glad to do. My right hon. Friend is considering what reply to send to other representations which have been made following the announcement of his intentions concerning Southport, and whether there should be further consultations before an order is made.