§ Dr. Edmund Marshallasked the Minister for the Civil Service how the programmes of work of the Parliamentary Boundary Commissions for England and Wales differ in 1980–81 compared with 1979–80 sufficiently to justify an increase of 20 per cent. in the complement of staff and an increase of 90 per cent. in terms of financial expenditure.
§ Mr. BrittanI have been asked to reply.
The Parliamentary Boundary Commission for Wales did not meet or incur expenditure in the financial year 1979–80, but is expected to begin its general review of parliamentary constituencies in 1980–81.
The Parliamentary Boundary Commission for England expects to hold about twice as many local inquiries in 1980–81 as it did in 1979–80. In addition, the cost of each inquiry has increased, mainly because of increases in the level of fees payable to assistant commissioners.