§ Mr. John TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the timetable for(a) publication and (b) implementation of the Boundary Commission proposals for England and Wales. [10418]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe Boundary Commissions for England, and for Wales, are independent bodies who will submit separate reports to the Secretary of State on completion of their general reviews of parliamentary constituencies in England and Wales.
The Boundary Commission for England has indicated in its annual report for 2000–01 that it expects to complete the fifth general review between five and six years after the February 2000 start. The Boundary Commission for Wales, in its annual report for 1999–2000, indicated its intention to commence the review in February 2003 and complete it in 2005.
As soon as possible after the Boundary Commission has submitted its reports to him, the Secretary of State is required to lay the reports before Parliament. If the reports recommend alterations to the existing constituencies, a draft Order in Council giving effect to the recommendations, with or without modifications, must also be laid. The order is subject to affirmative procedure of both Houses of Parliament. The new constituencies take effect at the following general election. On the basis of the Commissions' intentions, the Secretary of State does not expect to lay the reports before Parliament before 2006.