asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if he is aware of the urgent need for a revision in the structure of local government; and if he will now say when the Government intend to make a statement.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. and gallant Members for Wembley, North (Wing Commander Bullus) and Norfolk, Central (Brigadier Medlicott), last Thursday.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is unsatisfactory to make these considerable functional changes in local government and at the same time take no steps to bring about changes in his Ministry?

For that reason I suggested last Thursday that the local authority associations should continue to discuss the matter.