HC Deb 02 November 1993 vol 231 c105W
Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will issue revised guidelines to the Local Government Commission.

Mr. Curry

I have today issued revised policy guidance to the commission, incorporating the changes outlined in my right hon. Friend's announcement of 30 September and taking account of the comments we received on our draft proposals. We are re-emphasising the benefits of unitary authorities and asking the commission to give more weight to proposals emerging as a result of local consensus. A copy of the document has been placed in the Library of the House and additional copies are available in the Vote Office.

I hope that, by removing any doubt about the Government's views on a number of issues, the revised guidance will assist the commission in its important task of recommending arrangements which best combine a reflection of the identities and interests of local people with the need to secure convenient and effective local government.

We are still discussing with the Local Government Commission the details of the accelerated review programme.