§ Mrs. Jill Knightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in setting April 1986 as the target date for the abolition of the county councils, he took into account the fact that county council elections are due in May 1985; and whether he will consider if an earlier date is feasible.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI am satisfied that 1 April 1986 is the earliest feasible date for the abolition of the GLC and the metropolitan county councils. We are considering the implications of this for the local elections which are due to be held in May 1985.