§ Mr. Staintonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware that, as a result of the Local Government Act 1972, citizens of the Irish Republic will for the first time be qualified to become members of local councils; what discretion he has under the Act; and whether he will take steps to change this.
§ Mr. CarlisleI have been asked to reply.
The Local Government Act 1972 makes no changes in the right of citizens of the Irish Republic to become members of local authorities, nor does it give to my right hon. Friend any discretion in this matter. It recognises a position which has existed for many years and my right hon. Friend has no plans for legislation to amend it.