58.
asked the Minister of Health what estimated expense has been incurred by the local authorities in pursuance of the provisions of the Local Government (Boundary Commission) Act.
1945; and what purpose, in view of the pending repeal of the Act, this expense has served.It is not possible to frame any reliable estimate, but one of the general principles laid down by regulation for the guidance of the Commission in discharging their functions under the Act of 1945 required them to take all practicable steps to discourage local authorities and other persons from incurring unnecessary expense in connection with local inquiries and other business transacted under the Act.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say why the Minister did not make an earlier announcement of his intention to repeal this Act?
The last part of the hon. Gentleman's Question hardly arises, because very little expense was incurred, so far as we are aware.