§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will announce the start date of a new authority for the Isle of Wight and the arrangements for a shadow authority for the island.
§ Mr. HowardIn line with my announcement on 21 December I have consulted the authorities on the Isle of Wight about the timing and arrangements for structural change. In the light of this consultation I intend, if Parliament approves a new local government structure for the island in due course, to establish any new authority on 1 April 1995, with a shadow authority elected in May 1994. This will ensure there is adequate time for preparation of effective arrangements for the provision of services to the people. The county council elections will go ahead on 6 May and are not affected by these proposals