§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how the proposed new rules on party balance on council committees will be drawn up in order to ensure the effective working arrangements of councils are guaranteed.
§ Mr. GummerThe proposed new rules on party balance on local authority committees are set out in clauses 13 to 15 of, and schedule 1 to, the Local Government and Housing Bills. In so far as regulations are required to implement these provisions, they will be drafted after consultation with representatives of local government.