Clause 12 - Local Government Review
Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill
7:00 pm
Mr Edward Davey (Kingston and Surbiton, Liberal Democrat)
I cannot say that I know about the case in Newcastle, and I am sure that you would call me to order, Mr. Butterfill, if I went down that route. Under this amendment, we are talking about not the number of councillors but the number of tiers of government. That is the issue in front of us.
We are saying simply that what structure of government to have should be a decision entrusted to the people. Why should we in this Committee and in this Parliament force people to change a structure of government that they may like? I am sure that we will find people, and areas of the country, who will be happy to keep their district and county councils and vote for a regional assembly, because those bodies will be doing different things.
I do not intend to press my amendment, but we will return to the issue on the Floor of the House, where there will be correct and ample opportunity to pursue it. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Further consideration adjourned.—[Mr. Woolas.]
Adjourned accordingly at five minutes past Seven o'clock till Thursday 12 December at five minutes to Nine o'clock.