asked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning (1) whether, in the implementation of the proposals of the Redcliffe-Maud Report, he will make special provisions for representation of local interests in rural areas;

(2) what representations he has now received and from what sources advocating more devolution to authorities below the proposed new unitary authorities under the Redcliffe-Maud Report; and what replies he has sent.

A number of local authorities have suggested ways of devolving responsibility in the new system. The local authority associations have also considered the question. Some proposals have been specially concerned with the needs of rural areas. I am now studying all the representations that have been made to me.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that country folk do not think that their interests are necessarily the same in local government as those living in the great cities? Is he aware that the report does not deal adequately with this difference in interests? Will he look at it very carefully before bringing forward any proposals in the forthcoming White Paper?

Certainly it is part of my task to try to keep a reasonable balance between the sometimes conflicting interests of country and urban folk.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any idea as to which month next year his White Paper will be published?

The White Paper will be published in the new year.