Mr Gaminara
CON IDENTAL Reference
Mr Bell. For file.
URBAN COUNCIL PROPOSALS
46,8.6.71.
(
12.
1. As you know, Mr Royle discussed our submission with Sir M MacLehose last night. I am however dictating this note for the record.
2. Mr Royle asked Sir M MacLehose to do everything he could after taking up his appointment to see that the new proposals (whatever they might turn out to be following public comment after publication of the white paper) were brought into force as soon as possible. Mr Royle was appalled at the prospect of a further 18 months delay on top of the 5 years or so that had elapsed since the Councillors wrote their first report. Mr Royle also said that he would have liked to have seen more powers given to the Urban Councillors but that he fully agreed that the right thing to do was to let them show their ability under the proposed new arrangements before considering any further extension of the Council's functions.
3. Mr Royle read the draft saving despatch and agreed that it might go subject to minor amendment in the last paragraph simply asking when the white paper would be published. The saving despatch will be going in tomorrow's bag.
18 June 1971
En.
E O Laird
CONFIDENTIAL
DD 737719 557664 500M 2/71 GM 3643/2