§ 17. Mr. GorrieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received about the date and electoral boundaries for the next local government elections in Scotland. [49932]
§ Mr. MacdonaldMy right hon. Friend has received a number of representations from hon. Members, local authorities, and others both about the date and electoral boundaries for the next local government elections. We believe that the benefits of a combined poll for local authority elections and the Scottish Parliament will outweigh the disadvantages.