§ The Earl of LAUDERDALEasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is usual, and if so in what circumstances, for a Local 1138WA Government Boundary Commission in Scotland to conduct a hearing without publishing the evidence submitted and without allowing either of the parties concerned to challenge the evidence of the other, as happened when the boundaries of the Hamilton and Lanark District Councils were being examined recently in connection with the designated area of Stonehouse New Town.
§ The MINISTER of STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (Lord Kirkhill)The hearing to which the noble Earl refers was part of the process of consultation carried out by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland in conducting a review of local government areas affected by the Stonehouse New Town Designated Area. Under Section 18 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 it is for the Commission to decide what form their consultations should take. The Commission have used the instrument of a public hearing to examine a number of disputed boundary cases. While these proceedings do not involve the examination and cross-examination of witnesses, it is understood that the statements and arguments by opposing parties are, in fact, open to challenge since all parties are allowed a right of reply to statements by other parties.
House adjourned at half past nine o'clock