§ Mr. Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will extend the criteria for the granting of successor parish council status, in view of the situation facing such towns as Congleton and the need for improved communication in local government.
§ Mr. OakesNo. The power to establish successor parish councils was transitional and lapsed on 1st April 1974. There are, however, permanent powers for the creation of new parishes on recommendations being made by the district council to the Local Government Boundary Commission, which is expected to be in a position to entertain such recommendations after completing its review of local electoral arrangements, probably in 1977. Consideration will be given meanwhile to the desirability of guidelines being issued to assist all concerned.