§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether Her Majesty's Government propose to endorse the European charter of local self-government.
§ Mr. William WaldegraveAll member countries of the Council of Europe are at present working on a draft European charter of local self-government but no document has yet been prepared to the stage where it could be adopted. The drafts in existence hitherto have been couched in terms apt for countries with written constitutions, and have not adequately taken account of the fact that local authorities in the United Kingdom operate within a specific framework of law laid down by Parliament. In consequence, the drafts have presented formidable difficulties for the United Kingdom. We are nonetheless working alongside the other member countries of the Council of Europe to try and arrive at a document whose form and content would prove acceptable but which would not compromise fundamental principles.