§ Mr. BerryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent his proposal to establish a unitary authority for Wokingham is consistent with his proposals to create unitary authorities in other shire county areas. [20794]
§ Mr. CurryIn taking our decisions for each county we sought to achieve a structure which would best combine effective and convenient local government in the area with a reflection of local identities and interests. With regard to our decisions on Berkshire, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 21 March 1995 to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastbourne (Mr. Waterson),Official Report, columns 123–28.
§ Mr. BerryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representatives he has received(a) in support of and (b) against his proposals to establish six unitary local authorities in Berkshire. [20796]
§ Mr. CurryPrior to our announcement on the future local government structure in Berkshire we received some 5,400 letters, two petitions totalling some 14,300 signatures and 135 pro-forma leaflets. Many of the opinions expressed did not directly relate to our proposal for a six unitary structure. Since the announcement on 21 March, we have received 13 letters, three of which are in favour of the proposal and 10 against.