HC Deb 23 June 1977 vol 933 c591W
Mr. Terry Walker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the review of the operation of Part III of the Local Government Act 1974 is to take place; and if hon. Members will be invited at that time to make representations to his Department about the working of the Act, with regard to the functions of the Commissioner for Local Administration.

Mr. Guy Barnett

Section 26(12) of the Local Government Act 1974 requires the Commission for Local Administration to review each financial year the operation of the provisions of Part III of the Act about the investigation of complaints. My right hon. Friend understands that the Commission's review for the year ending 31st March 1977 is currently in progress.

Under Section 26(12) of the Act the Commission is also empowered to convey to Government Departments any recommendations or conclusions reached in the course of their review. The scope of any consultations which my right hon. Friend may consider it necessary to undertake will depend upon the nature of any recommendations or conclusions which may be conveyed to him by the Commission. It is of course open to hon. Members to make representations at any time either to the Commission or to my right hon. Friend.