§ 57. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware that the provisional proposal for the amalgamation of the boroughs of Leyton, Walthamstow, Chingford, Wanstead and Woodford and part of Chigwell envisages a new borough with a large population; if he has consulted the boroughs concerned in respect of this particular aspect of the proposal; and whether it is proposed that the determination of wards for new boroughs shall be his responsibility or that of a new borough.
Dr. HillI am consulting all the local authorities concerned about the future pattern of the London boroughs and no doubt shall soon be hearing from the councils mentioned by the Hon. Member. The methods of settling the wards is being considered by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.
§ 58. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs when he expects to conclude his further consultations with various bodies involved in the proposed London local government reorganisation, and to formulate his final proposals, particularly with regard to the amalgamation of boroughs; if meanwhile he is requiring contiguous boroughs to confer with a view to submitting to him agreements which are reached among themselves; and if he is consulting town clerks in the affected boroughs in respect of problems arising from staffing rearrangements subsequent to amalgamation.
Dr. HillThere will be consultations on many matters and I cannot forecast when they will be completed. Consultations on borough groupings will be held in the spring. I have suggested, but not required, that local authorities should discuss possible groupings with their neighbours. Consultations on staffing problems will be held with the bodies representing employers and staff.