§ 61. Mr. Beswickasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if, in view of the expense involved in the present procedure for local authorities promoting or contesting a Private Bill for the revision of boundaries, he will move for the appointment of a joint committee of both Houses to consider the possible simplification of present procedure.
§ 64. Mr. Mitchisonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that the present Private Bill procedure, before separate committees of both Houses, is proving an expensive method of settling questions as to the boundaries and special powers of local authorities; and what steps he is prepared to take by way of inquiry or improvement.
§ Mr. D. Jonesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, having regard to the heavy cost in promoting Private Bills by local authorities and other public corporations, he will move to set up a joint committee of both Houses, for the purpose of considering and recommending a simplified procedure and to instruct this committee to consider a joint committee of both Houses for the Committee stage of such bills.
§ Mr. MarplesMy right hon. Friend is aware that contested Private Bills can be costly to local authorities. He has no present intention of moving for the appointment of a Select Committee; but it is open to any hon. Member to do so.