HC Deb 12 May 1992 vol 207 c59W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the legislative measures that govern the work of the Local Government Boundary Commission and the criteria it uses to review local government boundaries.

Mr. Robin Squire

The Local Government Boundary Commission is required under section 48(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 to carry out local government reviews as directed by the Secretary of State.

The commission must have regard to the need for effective and convenient local government.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the Local Government Commission for England is to carry out an examination of the structure of local government in London; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Robin Squire

There are no plans to change the general structure of local government in London. The Local Government Act 1992 provides for changes to local government structure to be made only where unitary authorities do not already exist—that is, in the shire counties of England. The new Local Government Commission will, however, have the power to recommend changes to local government boundaries and electoral arrangements in any area, including London.