§ 11. Mr. MacCollasked the Minister of Education whether he will make a statement on the progress of his consultations with the representatives of local authorities and divisional executives on 1084 the delegation of education functions; whether he has yet prepared any model schemes of delegation; and when he intends to issue a memorandum of guidance in respect of Section 52 of the Local Government Act, 1958.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydAfter consulting the local authority associations, I have decided to issue a circular giving guidance on the preparation and operation of schemes of delegation. I hope it will be ready by the end of this month.
§ Mr. MacCollWill the Minister make the circular available to hon. Members who want to see the degree of delegation which is proposed? Will he confirm that schemes have to be approved by the end of July next year and that it is urgent that information should be available for the local authorities?
§ Mr. LloydYes, Sir. Perhaps the most convenient arrangement would be for me to send the hon. Gentleman a copy, in view of his Question, and also to place copies in the Library.