HC Deb 19 December 1979 vol 976 cc238-9W
Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the establishment of a committee to review local government in Scotland.

Mr. Younger

In fulfilment of the commitment given in our manifesto for Scotland, the Government have decided to set up a committee of inquiry with the following terms of referenceWith a view to improving the effective discharge of functions by Regional, Islands and District Authorities—

  1. (1) to review the working relationships among the new authorities since 15 May 1975;
  2. (2) to recommend whether any transfer or rationalisation of functions between them are 239 desirable and consistent with fully maintaining the viability of the existing authorities; and
  3. (3) to report by December 1980."

I am pleased that the right hon. Anthony Stodart has accepted appointment as chairman of the committee.

I shall make a further announcement soon about the membership of the committee which I hope will be able to begin work early in the new year.

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