§ 77. Mr. Milneasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue a circular giving advice to local authorities concerning the admission of Press to council and committee meetings when the reform of local government is discussed, and to make arrangements for public discussion on the reorganisation of local government structure and boundaries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerNo. I would certainly expect local authorities to keep in close touch with local opinion during the consultations on new local government areas but how they do this must be for them to decide within the requirements of the law.