from our political correspondent
Page 31
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• Mr Geoffrey Rippon, now Secretary of State for the Environment, will thrive on his new responsibilities as overlord of his Department with such diverse interests as the quality of life, local government, transport and development.
A councillor at 21, an alderman at 25, a mayor at 27, an MP at 31 and a.member of the Government at 38, it is no surprise to find him, at still only 48, one of the most experienced members of Mr Heath's cabinet.
Mr Rippon has seen service in a variety of Departments, including Housing and Local Government, Public Works, Technology and Aviation. His experience as Britain's chief Common Market negotiator over the last two years should prove a valuable asset in the coming months when his Ministry will be deeply involved in the problems of regulating the size and weight of Continental vehicles to be permitted to use British roads.
Mr Rippon is a strong believer in the freedom of local authorities to take their own decisions in the light of local circumstances and this is bound to be reflected in his approach to the difficult issues which will arise from the growing pressure for route restrictions for heavy goods vehicles.