§ 55 and 56. Mr. Burdenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) what are the differences of opinion he has with the Local Government Commission over the amalgamation of Chatham, Rochester and Gillingham into one county borough, which have caused work on the project to stop;
(2) if it is his intention that the work of the Local Government Commission in connection with the amalgamation of the three Medway towns shall now cease entirely; or if the halt is only designed to allow time for further consideration.
§ Mr. MacCollThe Local Government Commission has not as yet given any consideration to the future of these three towns, since with my right hon. Friend's agreement it has deferred starting its South Eastern General Review. It would be unfair to ask local authorities in the area to undertake work for the Commission until it is decided whether we should have a new, radical review of local government and, if so, what the effect of that should be on the Commission's work.