§ 38. Sir D. Walker-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she is satisfied with the number of agency arrangements concluded to date for the discharge of library functions by district councils; and what steps she proposes to take to stimulate them.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasMy noble Friend has received no information on the number328W of such arrangements that may so far have been concluded. They are essentially a matter for agreement between local authorities in the light of local circumstances and the guidance given in DOE Circular No. 131/72, Welsh Office Circular No. 277/72, and my Department's Circular No. 5/73. In the absence of agreement, a district council may apply for a direction under Section 110 of the Local Government Act 1972. It would not be appropriate to stimulate such arrangements.