§ Lord EVANS of CLAUGHTONasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have any indication as to when the boundary commissioners will be bringing forward recommendations for alterations to differential boundaries in metropolitan county councils and whether it is anticipated that the proposed alterations will be implemented in time for the county council elections in May 1981.
§ Lord BELSTEADThe Local Government Boundary Commission for England is engaged in reviewing the electoral arrangements of all counties. My right honourable friend the Home Secretary intends to make orders implementing the commission's proposals, with or without modifications, as soon as practicable after they have been received. It is not yet possible, however, to say whether he will receive proposals in respect of any metropolitan counties in time for orders to be made bringing them into effect at the elections to be held in May 1981.