§ Mr. Graham Pageasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, what stage has been reached by the Local Government Commission in its proposal 22W for the Merseyside Review Area; and whether any change has been made or is contemplated in the boundaries of the area as originally set.
§ Mr. MacCollThe Commission began their review of the area in October, 1962. Subsequently they asked my right hon. Friend's predecessor to extend that area and the South-East Lancashire Special Review Area. In July last year he informed the House that he had decided to hold the application in abeyance for the time being to enable the Commission to complete preliminary discussions with Lancashire County Council about the problems of local government organisation in Lancashire, and to have discussions with other authorities who might wish to express further views to them on the question of extending the two special review areas. My right hon. Friend is expecting the Commission to report to him any time now the results of their talks and their further observations. Copies of the report will be circulated to all the local authorities concerned, who will have an opportunity to give him their final comments before he decides what action, if any, is called for.