§ Mr. Laurance Reedasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will assist local authorities in the provision of instruction in modern business practices for their officials.
§ Mr. Graham PageThe Local Authorities' Management Services and Computer Committee which was set up in 1967 by the local authority associations provides a very valuable national advisory and consultancy service for local authorities on management services and computers. My Department grant-aids this committee and maintains close links with its activities. My right hon. Friend and the associations of local authorities have also jointly set up a study group to prepare advice for the new authorities 359W on their management structures. I hope that the group's report will be available in the near future.