§ Mr. BaldryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to make an announcement on town council status for Banbury. [94941]
§ Ms Beverley HughesThe Secretary of State has made a preliminary decision for the creation of a new parish of Banbury. Cherwell District Council was notified on 8 October.
We intend to consult the District Council and other interested parties shortly on a draft Order. Subject to that consultation, the intention is to make the Order before the end of 1999 with the view to first elections in May 2000.