§ Andrew MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will meet the National Association of Local Councillors (Northern Ireland Region) to discuss(a) members' allowances, (b) the future of local government and (c) other matters of mutual interest. [87320]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI have no immediate plans to meet the National Association of Councillors (Northern Ireland Region). Local Government issues are the responsibility of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Angela Smith), who has responsibility for the Department of the Environment. I understand she plans to meet members of the Association on a regular basis, as was the practice of the former Minister of the Environment (Dermot Nesbitt). Preparations for a meeting early in the new year are currently underway.