Question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, how many applications for the setting up of parish councils he has (a) received, (b) approved and (c) rejected since 1st May 1997; and for what reasons. - Includes figure and ref to Environment Circular 11/97.
Answer
Mr. Truswell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many applications for the setting up of parish councils he has (a) received, (b) approved and (c) rejected since 1 May 1997; and for what reasons. [35699] Mr. Raynsford: Since 1 May 1997 my right hon. Friend has received 6 requests for new parishes in the form of petitions and two from district councils following parish reviews. To date he has decided that three new parishes should be created; he has yet to decide on the other requests. The three parishes for East Cowes, Beverley and Cottingham were all requested by petition and all fulfil the definitions set out in Section 22 of the Local Government and Rating Act 1997 and Environment Circular 11/97.