§ Mr. John Evansasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he accepts the need for organic change in local government in England and Wales;
(2) what changes he proposes to introduce in metropolitan counties and districts in England;
(3) if he will abolish metropolitan county councils;
(4) what structural changes he proposes for the large non-metropolitan district councils in England;
(5) if he intends to reorganise local government in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KingMy right hon. Friend does not intend to pursue the previous Government's proposals for organic change in local government in England. It is neither necessary nor desirable to disturb the basic framework of metropolitan and non-metropolitan districts and counties in England established by the Local Government Act 1972. The Government are, however, committed to improving the efficiency of local government, and to this end are urgently reviewing ways in which any unnecessary and wasteful 687W duplication arising from overlapping functions under that Act can be eliminated. The local authority associations have been asked to assist with this.
Local government in Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
§ Mr. John Evansasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he plans to introduce elected regional councils in England.