§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what guidelines he intends to publish concerning his proposals for unitary authorities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntI have made no proposals for unitary authorities and the question of guidelines does not arise. I have received some representations that we should move towards such a system, but I do not intend to make any decisions until I have had the benefit of further discussions with the Welsh local authority associations.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the future of community and town councils.
§ Mr. David HuntCommunity and town councils play an important role in many parts of Wales. In considering the merits of any proposals put to me for reorganisation of Welsh local government, I intend to take careful account of their implications for the continued effective operation of these councils.