§ Mr. Arthur Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further consultations he proposes to hold with local authorities in England on the areas of the new counties and metropolitan districts.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI have received suggestions or representations from some 1.600 local authorities—including 600 parish councils—500 other bodies and over 3,000 private individuals. All these views are now under consideration.
In most cases it will be possible to reach conclusions on the basis of the written statements, but where I think it desirable, in order to supplement the information already available, I shall invite local authorities to meet me or one of my Ministerial colleagues in order to discuss the issues involved. I shall take the initiative in arranging such meetings, which I do not expect will be needed in more than a very limited number of cases.