Schedule 1. — (the London Boroughs.)

Part of Orders of the Day — London Government Bill – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 20 February 1963.

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Photo of Mr Norman Dodds Mr Norman Dodds , Erith and Crayford 12:00, 20 February 1963

As the right hon. Member for Chislehurst (Dame Patricia Hornsby-Smith) said at the beginning of her speech, I am probably in a much more favourable position to comment upon the Amendments than most hon. Members who have spoken so far. For many years the authorities in my constituency have felt the need for a much larger authority. For many years they have referred to an amalgamation of Bexley, Erith and Crayford.

Everyone in my constituency who takes an interest in this matter is appalled at the thought that, in addition to Bexley, Erith and Crayford, there is a suggestion—no doubt made by people with tidy minds—that a part of the Chislehurst and Sidcup constituency should be added.

How on earth the four town clerks who visited the area for a day or two could ever have come to the conclusion that it would be a good thing to break up the Chislehurst and Sidcup Urban District Council I do not know. They must have been drunk when they suggested it. There is no community of interest. It is separated from the other part of the proposed area by one of Britain's busiest main roads—the A.20. That is why I have been requested to support the Amendment moved by the hon. Member for Orpington (Mr. Lubbock).