§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications he has received for city status; and if he will list those towns seeking city status.
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§ Mr. Kenneth BakerIt is likely that the Queen will wish to grant city status to one town to mark the 40th anniversary of her accession. I have received representations that their town might be chosen for this from and on behalf of the authorities of the following 20 towns in England: Blackburn; Bolton; Brighton; Chelmsford; Colchester; Croydon; Dudley; Guildford; Ipswich; Middlesbrough; Milton Keynes; Northampton; Preston; Sandwell; Shrewsbury; Southend-on-Sea; Stockport; Sunderland; Telford; and Wolverhampton.