HC Deb 18 January 1993 vol 217 cc120-1W
Mr. Nigel Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish a table of the names of consultants employed by local authorities in making proposals to the Local Government Commission, the authority that employs them and the cost to the local authority.

Mr. Robin Squire

This is a matter for individual local authorities.

Mr. Nigel Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total cost to the Exchequer in 1992–93 of the Local Government Commission; what estimates he has for future costs; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Robin Squire

The cost of the Local Government Commission for 1992–93 is estimated at £2.630 million, and at £3–259 million, £3–300 million and £3.439 million for the three following years.

Mr. Nigel Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many people are employed by the Local Government Commission; what is the cost to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Robin Squire

The Local Government Commission currently has 28 staff in post and estimates its annual expenditure on pay and related costs will be of the order of £0.9 million for 1993–94.

Mr. Nigel Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what opinion polling has been conducted by the Local Government Commission to ascertain the popularity of proposed boundaries; what is the total cost; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Robin Squire

This is a matter for the Local Government Commission and I have asked the chairman to write to the hon. Member.