HC Deb 09 April 1984 vol 58 c73W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he currently has any powers to prescribe the quorum of an elected local council.

Mr. Waldegrave

No.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why reference was not made in the Gracious Speech to changes in the electoral basis of local authorities.

Mr. Waldegrave

The Gracious Speech said that proposals would be prepared for the abolition of the GLC and the metropolitan county councils. These, including the proposals on elections, were subsequently set out in detail in the White Paper "Streamlining the Cities" (Cmnd. 9063.)

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with London boroughs regarding the implementation of clause 2(5) of the Local Government (Interim Provisions) Bill.

Mr. Waldegrave

Officials of my Department have discussed various aspects of the abolition proposals—including party balance—with representatives of London boroughs.