§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the future structure of local government on the Isle of Wight.
§ Mr. HeseltineI refer my hon. Friend to my statement to the House on 23 April,Official Report, column 901, in which I set out the Government's proposals for the structure of local government in England. We believe that the structure of two tiers outside London and the metropolitan county areas needs to be reviewed. We therefore propose to establish a new, independent local government commission to draw up recommendations for improving the structure of local government area by area, taking account of local views and the costs and benefits of the change. This commission would consult on its recommendations and submit them to me. Final decisions would rest with Parliament.