§ Mr. Laurance Reedasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what discussions he has had with representatives from Turton about the inclusion of that district in the proposed metropolitan district of Bolton;
(2) whether he will discuss with representatives from Atherton the inclusion of that district in the proposed metropolitan district of Bolton:
(3) whether he will discuss with representatives from Westhoughton the exclusion of that district from the proposed metropolitan district of Bolton;
(4) what discussions he has had with representatives from Blackrod about the exclusion of that district from the proposed metropolitan district of Bolton.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI would refer to the reply I gave on 15th July to my hon. Friend the Member for Northants, South (Mr. Arthur Jones). I shall be taking the initiative in arranging meetings with local authorities in the limited number of cases where I think it desirable to supplement information already available. One such meeting, dealing with various issues affecting the boundary between the proposed areas 10 and 12, was held at Manchester on 20th July when, among other matters, the proposals of the Blackrod and Turton Urban District Councils were discussed. I have no present plans to arrange a meeting with the Westhoughton and Atherton councils, on whose views and local circumstances I am fully informed, but if this proves necessary I will get into touch with them.—[Vol. 821. c.149.]