HC Deb 23 April 1993 vol 223 cc227-8W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what further work he is carrying out after taking into account responses made to the consultation document on local government reform.

Mr. Stewart

We are studying carefully the 3,300 responses received. Thereafter we shall come to a decision about the best shape for the single-tier system in Scotland and will announce our conclusions in a White Paper before the summer recess.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking to refine the Touche Ross figures in local government reform costs.

Mr. Stewart

The provisional estimates made by Touche Ross of the financial implications of restructuring are, in a number of specific areas, being examined in the light of the comments received as part of our recent consultation exercise. When we announce our proposed new structure we will set our forecast of the likely cost implications, in the light of this further work.