§ Mr. MorganTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what consultation he has had with the county councils in Wales in relation to the reorganisation of trading standards departments; if the reorganisation will follow the boundaries of the unitary authorities; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what proposals he has to administer the trading standards service in Wales following local government reorganisation; what consultations he has had with county trading standards officers in Wales in relation to joint boards to provide the service; and what proposals he has for local democratic accountability in relation to joint boards.
§ Mr. Leigh[holding answer 26 November 1992]: My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has had no such consultation. A Department of Trade and Industry official participated in the environment and public protection services sub-group set up by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales. The sub-group, which also included representatives of the district and county councils, discussed the future arrangements for the trading standards service in Wales. Its report is in the Library. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales will announce his decisions in due course.