§ Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what detailed proposals the Government have under consideration regarding neighbourhood councils; what interested bodies have been notified of the proposals; and what stage has been reached in the consideration of those proposals by such bodies.
§ Mr. OakesThe Government's initial views on neighbourhood councils were set out in the consultation paper of last July, copies of which were sent at the time to all hon. Members, to political parties and to the associations of local authorities. The paper was also publicised and copies sent to all who asked for one. Comments have been sent in by a great variety of local bodies and by interested individual citizens. Because of the interest shown the time for reply was 313W extended until last month, and the responses are now being considered.