§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary concerning the efficacy of the cabinet system in the management of local government in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [118187]
§ Mr. HansonI am in regular contact with the Assembly Secretary for Local Government, Peter Law, over the provisions of the Local Government Bill which include provision for new executive structures for councils. The Government are committed to the modernisation of local government in England and Wales, and the new executive structures are vital to the overall aims of transparency, efficiency and accountability.