§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will introduce legislation to enable parish councils to hold by-elections to fill vacancies caused by resignation or death of members.
§ Mr. John SilkinThe Local Government Act 1972 already makes provision for the filling of casual vacancies on parish councils by election instead of by co-option. I am advised that this provision will not apply until 1976 in the case of casual vacancies on parish councils which were in existence when the Act was passed, but I am afraid I cannot give any undertaking as to amending legislation to advance this date.