Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has about the timetable of work of the Local Government Boundary Commission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChopeUnder the Local Government Act 1972 the commission has to review every 10 to 15 years the areas and boundaries of counties, London boroughs and metropolitan districts, and the boundaries of the City of London. The current round of these reviews has to end by 31 March 1992. Reviews of non-metropolitan districts and consideration of districts' reviews of parishes may be at any time, as necessary. In addition, the commission has to review the electoral arrangements for counties, London boroughs and districts, every 10 to 15 years from its last report on the area concerned. Subject to these statutory requirements and to any direction under powers conferred by the Act on the Secretary of State the commission has discretion to, and does set its own timetable.