§ Mr. Terry Walkerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the working of the Commissioner for Local Administration; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ShoreThe Commission for Local Administration has not yet completed its third year in existence. I agree with the Commission which, in its latest annual report, for 1975 –76, concludes that it is 257W too early to judge whether changes in the present arrangement are necessary.
§ Mr. Terry Walkerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any proposals to put to Parliament to increase the powers of the Commissioner for Local Administration, so that local councils can no longer ignore his findings.
§ Mr. ShoreThe Commission for Local Administration is statutorily responsible for reviewing annually the operation of Part III of the Local Government Act 1974. I will consider carefully any recommendations or conclusions which the Commission may reach about its powers in the course of their next review.