asked the Minister of Health to what extent their co-operation in A.R.P., C.D., war savings and other war-time services, is leading parish councils to amalgamate in cases where conditions are suitable and the amalgamations would be likely to be mutually advantageous; and whether his Ministry encourages such amalgamations.

During the war the amalgamation of parishes has been precluded by Statute, and I have no information to show whether there is a widespread desire for it. If an amalgamation were desired, the proposal would, in the first instance, be for consideration by the county council, and any order they might make would be submitted to me for confirmation. My decision would depend on the circumstances of particular oases, and I do not think I could properly anticipate that by any general pronouncement.