To ask the Deputy Prime Minister in which years no elections have been held in (a) London councils, (b) shire counties, (c) shire districts, (d) metropolitan councils and (e) new unitary authorities in the last decade. [103362]

Whole council elections are held every four years in all county councils in England, borough councils in London and about two-thirds of non-metropolitan district councils, including some unitary authorities. In the last decade these elections were held in 1994, 1998 and 2002 for London boroughs; in 1993, 1997 and 2001 for shire counties; and in 1995, 1999 and on 1 May 2003 for district councils.The remaining third of non-metropolitan district councils, including some unitary authorities and all the metropolitan district councils have elections of one third of their councillors in each of the three years when county council elections are not held.By-elections can take place at any time in all categories of councils; no information is held centrally about the holding of by-elections.