HC Deb 19 January 1994 vol 235 cc654-5W
15. Mr. Barnes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the Government's current attitude to local government reorganisation.

Mr. Curry

We are committed to the Local Government Commission's reviews of shire counties in England, which should lead to more convenient and effective local government reflecting the identities and interests of local people.

20. Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received in favour of local government reorganisation in England.

Mr. Curry

Since issuing our consultation paper on the structure of local government in April 1991 we have received many representations in favour of reorganization from local authorities, individuals and representatives of the business community, as well as Members of the House. It is not possible, however, to produce a definitive list of all the representations we have received except at disproportionate cost.

35. Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress to date made by the Local Government Commission.

Mr. Curry

The Local Government Commission's reviews are proceeding on schedule. It has submitted final reports on the Isle of Wight, Derbyshire, Cleveland, Durham, Avon, Gloucestershire and Somerset. Its final recommendations on Humberside, Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire are clue on 23 January. It began on 13 December 1993 reviews of all the remaining shire counties in England and has been directed to submit final recommendations on these counties by the end of 1994.