§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received opposing the abolition of the Merseyside county council; what his response has been; and if he will place any correspondence he has received on the subject in the Library.
§ Mr. TraceyMy right hon. Friend has received some representations opposing and some in favour of abolition. His response has been that by abolishing an unnecessary 237W and wasteful tier we have brought local government closer to the people it serves. It would not be appropriate for such correspondence to be placed in the Library.
§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to receive the first annual report and accounts of the Merseyside Residuary Body; and when these will be laid before Parliament.
§ Mr. TraceyResiduary bodies have been asked to prepare their first annual reports for the part-year from their establishment to 31 March 1986. Their accounts will be for the same period. It is too early to suggest precise timing, but we would not expect to receive these documents before September. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will thereafter lay the annual reports, statements of accounts and any audit reports on them in both Houses.