§ Mr. Terry Walkerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, following his reply to the hon. Member for Kingswood on 25th May, he will advise local authorities that his Circular 45/75 does not carry the force of law in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, as amended; and if he will consider further amendment of the circular to bring it in keeping with the 1960 Act.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettLocal authorities will already be aware that Circular 45/75, in addition to summarising the434W minimum statutory requirements, makes recommendations of a purely advisory nature aimed at achieving the maximum degree of openness in the conduct of local authority business. It is for each individual council to decide whether or not to follow these recommendations. My right hon. Friend sees no need to issue any further guidance on this subject at the present time. Nor does he believe that it would be appropriate to amend the circular so as to restrict the advice offered to a mere statement of the statutory provisions.