The legal opinions were not hurriedly released, as is alleged in your questions. The Council agenda with the Concluding Advice attached was despatched in the normal way and on time in accordance with the publication requirements of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

The four other legal opinions were background papers which informed the Concluding Advice. The 45 page document prepared by Jamie Woolley and dated 11th October 2004 was not released at the time because the advice was tentative. He stated, 'it has not been possible to review all aspects by any means. Some of my conclusions are inevitably tentative'.