§ 62. Mr. K. Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what provision is made for the attendance of members of the Local Government Commission or representatives of Government Departments at local inquiries held under the Local Government Act, 1958, in connection with the proposed disappearance of counties or major territorial changes suggested by the Commission.
Dr. HillNone. The inquiries are into objections to the Commission's proposals. Their purpose is to ensure that the Minister is fully informed of the objectors' views before deciding what orders he should make and lay before Parliament. The Commission have no further function in any area once they have made their report, giving 139W full reasons for their proposals. Government Departments have no responsibility for the proposals and it would be wrong for departmental representatives to appear at inquiries into objections to them.