§ Mr. Austickasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans she has to ensure that the necessary organisation to retain and maintain a co-operative unit based on the important elements in the West Riding County Library is approved by the new West Yorkshire constituent authorities in time for effective action before 1st April 1974.
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§ Mr. St. John-StevasLast year's report by the Department's library advisers on the provision of public library service in South and West Yorkshire contained suggestions for preserving elements of the West Riding county library service on a joint basis after local government re-organisation, but decisions on the implementation of co-operative arrangements are for determination locally by the new library authorities in the area. I understand that proposals for co-operation are under active consideration by them and I am sure that they are fully alive to the importance of reaching decisions in time to allow for effective operation from 1st April 1974. Further professional advice from the library advisers is available to them if required.