§ Sir Wyn RobertsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total proposed membership of the new unitary authorities in Wales. [38023]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThere are currently 1,273 councillors in the 22 new unitary authorities in Wales. On 16 June 1995, following consultation with local government, my right hon. Friend, the then Secretary of State for Wales issued directions to the Local Government Boundary Commission to conduct a review of electoral arrangements in the 22 unitary authorities. At the time he indicated that he had no desire to see a cut in councillor numbers. Copies of the directions have bene placed in the Library of the House.