HC Deb 16 March 1993 vol 221 c186W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those organisations and individuals who made representations to him proposing a unitary authority based on Blaenau Gwent, Merthyr Tydfil together with the community areas of Rhymney, Darran Valley and New Tredegar.

Mr. Rowlands

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will list those organisations and individuals who recommended to him the establishment of the proposed Heads of the Valleys unitary authority.

Mr. David Hunt

My proposal to establish a Heads of the Valley unitary authority was based upon my consideration of the large number of often conflicting representations I received about the possible boundaries of unitary authorities in the valleys. Copies of the representations I received, both to my consultation paper of June 1991 and to my statement to the House of 3 March 1992, are in the Library of the House.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a further statement on the application of the criteria of the community identity and traditional loyalty to which he made reference in Cm. 2155 "Local Government in Wales", to his proposed unitary authority based on Blaenau Gwent, Merthyr Tydfil, together with the community areas of Rhymney, Darran Valley and New Tredegar.

Mr. David Hunt

I am well aware of the strength of community identity that exists in these areas. I am confident that the proposed Heads of the Valleys authority, which is based on communities which share similar heritage, will be well able both to respond to the needs of local people and to ensure the provision of high quality services efficiently, economically and effectively.