§ Mr Moateasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the Boundary Commission to commence
398Wreplying to the hon. Member's Questions on 26th April 1976—[Vol 910, c. 44–5.]—that it would not be justifiable to undertake the work involved in providing the whole range of figures which he then requested.
work on parish boundaries, particularly in connection with the creation of new parishes as provided for in the Local Government Act 1972.
§ Mr. John SilkinThe Local Government Boundary Commission is under a statutory obligation to give priority to the review of electoral areas. It is currently engaged on this work, but my expectation is that is will be in a position to deal with proposals affecting parishes from late 1977 or early 1978 onwards. It will be for district councils, in the first place, to review the pattern of parishes and make recommendations for modifications or for the creation of new parishes. I intend to ensure, in consultation with the Boundary Commission, that district councils are provided in good time with guidelines to assist them in their reviews of parishes.