The purpose of these two Orders is, at the request of the four counties concerned, to give them a slightly wider scope in the period during which they may have their new county elections. Hon. Members will recall that, by a recent decision of the House, the counties of Cambridge and the Isle of Ely and of Huntingdon and the Soke of Peterborough, respectively, are to be amalgamated as from April next year, into two new counties. The original Orders gave them power to have their elections for the new counties between 27th September and 22nd November, this year.

At the request of Cambridgeshire and the Isle of Ely, I was asked to consider whether they might be given a wider period during which to have their elections. I put the proposal to the other counties and they concurred.

The Orders therefore carry out the wishes of the four counties. They enable the returning officers for the two new counties to choose election dates which give them the maximum opportunity to organise their affairs as they wish before the Orders creating the two new counties come into effect. I hope that the House will see fit to pass both Orders.