HC Deb 04 June 1996 vol 278 c372W
Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he has taken to ensure that arrangements entered into between two or more authorities on archive services offer an adequate and stable framework for the delivery of services. [30690]

Mr. Gwilym Jones

The details of joint arrangements are a matter for the councils concerned. In considering the draft schemes on which councils consulted him under section 60 of the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994, my hon. Friend looked for evidence that joint arrangements would exist for a reasonable period beyond April 1996 and that adequate staffing and other resources would be provided.

Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what assessment he has made of whether archive services are being provided at the same standards as the previous local authorities by the new unitary authorities under section 60 of the Local Government Act (Wales) 1994. [30689]

Mr. Jones

It is too early to make any such assessment. Eighteen county and county borough councils have still to send to my right hon. Friend the final versions of the schemes which they are required to prepare under section 60 of the 1994 Act.

Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of whether existing collections of archive records are being maintained intact by the new unitary authorities; and what arrangements are in place to monitor the operation of the archive schemes by the new authorities. [30691]

Mr. Jones

My right hon. Friend has made no such assessment. Section 60 of the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994 imposes duties on county and county borough councils to prepare and maintain archive schemes; and, before making or modifying a scheme, to consult my right hon. Friend and to have regard to his advice.