§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the cost to public funds of the Local Government commission review into local government reorganisation to date; and if he will make a statement regarding its progress.
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesThe Local Government Commission for England incurred expenditure of £2.056 million in 1992–93 and £5146 in 1993–94. We are making available grant in aid of some £8.300 million to the commission for 1994–95.
The commission has published final recommendations for 19 shire counties, of which three have been referred back to the commission for further review. Final reports on the remaining counties, including the three second reviews, are due to be submitted to the Secretary of State by the end of the year.