§ 30. Mr. Tom ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when Her Majesty's Government expect to announce proposals arising from the current review of Scottish local government.
§ Mr. Allan StewartWe plan to issue in the autumn a second consultation paper setting out illustrative options for the new structure.
§ Mr. Bill WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress he has made with his plans to reform local government in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Allan StewartWe are making good progress with our plans to reform local government. My right hon. Friend announced in May that he had commissioned consultants to examine the transitional and long-term costs of restructuring. This work will inform a second consultation paper setting out illustrative options for the new structure which we will issue in the autumn.