asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the aldermanic system, he will introduce legislation to bring it to an end.

There are arguments for and against the aldermanic system, but more against in my own personal view. The subject is one that the Maud Committee on People in Local Government are looking into, and it is undoubtedly one for the Royal Commission.

Must this not be the most indecisive Government in human history? Is not every issue, however trivial, shifted off to somebody else's responsibility?

The hon. Member should recall that the decision to study the aldermanic system was taken by my predecessor, who set up the Maud Committee over two years ago.