HC Deb 22 December 1971 vol 828 c356W
Mr. Bray

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent he took into account the declared wishes of residents of particular districts or groups of districts when forming his policy towards local government reform; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Graham Page

The wishes of local residents were of course taken fully into account, but the Government's proposals for the new areas, set out in the Local Government Bill, necessarily had regard to many other relevant factors as well.