§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations have been sought with his Department in connection with a Private Bill now under consideration by the West Midlands Metropolitan County Council to give that authority power to carry on commercial activities; what advice he has tendered; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SilkinA number of commercial bodies have made representations to my Department about the provisions674W which I understand the county council is considering. No Bill has yet been deposited, however, so I am not in a position to reach any conclusions. When the Bill has been deposited I shall study its contents and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be reporting to Parliament on it.