§ 47. Mr. Madelasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the rate at which local ombudsmen are being appointed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SilkinI am glad now to be able to announce that Her Majesty the Queen has approved the recommendation of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment that Baroness Serota of Hampstead, Mr. Denis Harrison and Mr. Patrick Cook be appointed local commissioners. These appointments will bring into formal existence the machinery for investigating complaints alleging maladministration by local authorities and water authorities— the Commission for Local Administration in England. My right hon. Friend proposes to designate Lady Serota to be chairman of the commission.