§ Mr. Patrick ThompsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether, following his consideration of responses to the local government consultative paper, he will be proceeding with legislation in the field of local government in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWe are proceeding with the preparation of a proposal for a draft Order in Council. It should be published for consultation before the end of this year. As indicated in the local government consultative paper, the measures proposed cover three areas of local government work:
- (i) the conduct of district council business;
- (ii) the administration of the environmental health and building control services; and
- (iii) competition in the provision of district council services
We received over 60 responses to the local government consultative paper. All have been considered carefully. A number of changes to our proposals have been made as a result.
The proposals were discussed by the chairmen of all the district councils in Northern Ireland, meeting under the chairmanship of Councillor Empey, the Lord Mayor of Belfast.