§ 45. Mr. Bartlettasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the need for co-ordination between the Home Office, the Ministry of Town and Country Planning and the Ministry of Health, to avoid urban district councils being asked to make representations and comments almost simultaneously about new schemes in connection with Fire Brigades, Town Planning and the National Health Service; whether he is aware that only short periods have been permitted for the submission of these representations, despite the complex matters involved; and whether he will take steps to ensure that greater consideration is shown in such matters by the Departments concerned.
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that Departments can fairly be criticised180W in this matter. In each case county district councils knew well in advance that they would be consulted, from the relevant Acts on the Fire and Health Services and in the case of Town and Country Planning from the express warning contained in the circular of November, 1947. I am satisfied that Departments allow local authorities as much time as they can consistently with giving early effect to Parliament's decisions.