§ Mr. Woodallasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what representations or assurances he has received from the Wakefield Metropolitan District Council following a recent decision concerning that council by the Local Government Commissioner;
(2) what representations he has received from persons residing in the Hemsworth Constituency regarding the functions of the Local Government Commissioner.
§ Mr. John SilkinNone. The Commission for Local Administration is a body set up by statute within the local government system. The Local Government Act 1974 which established the Commission contains no provisions for the Secretary of State to receive representations from individual complainants or from authorities who have been the subject of a Local Commissioner's report. Nor is it desirable that there should be such provision.
§ Mr. Woodallasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider strengthening the powers of the Local Government Commissioner in the near future.
466W
§ Mr. John SilkinThe Commission for Local Administration has a responsibility under Section 23 of the Local Government Act 1974 annually to review the operation of the provisions under which it investigates complaints. If, in the course of its current review, it reaches any recommendations or conclusions about its powers which it chooses to convey to my right hon. Friend, I am sure he will consider them.