§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales who he is consulting on his direction to the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales; on what basis; what deadline he has placed on the consultations;728W and if he will place a copy of the consultation document in the Library. [21415]
§ Mr. RedwoodFor the guidance of the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales in undertaking the electoral arrangements reviews, I propose to issue directions under section 59(1) of the Local Government Act 1972. Copies of the directions in draft form have been sent for comments to the Commission and to the Assembly of Welsh Councils and the Council of Welsh Districts. Comments have been requested by 5 May.
Section 59(2) of the 1972 Act requires me to consult associations which appear to be representative of local authorities. Since the directions will be issued to the Local Government Boundary Commission, I consider it appropriate to seek beforehand the benefit of their advice and experience in these matters.
I have made arrangements for a copy of the draft directions to be placed in the Libraries of the House.