HC Deb 16 January 1974 vol 867 c126W
Mr. Michael Cocks

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what reply she is sending to the letter from the Bristol District Council city clerk dated 4th January 1974 regarding the Local Government Act 1972, Agency Arrangements, Library Service ;

(2) if she is satisfied that Avon County is acting in accordance with Circular No. 5/73;

(3) if, bearing in mind that the city and county of Bristol is a university, business and commercial centre and has a library tradition dating back to 1613, she will grant an agency arrangement to the new Bristol District Council to administer the library service.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

As my right hon. Friend has received from the Bristol District Council a formal application for a determination under Section 110 of the Local Government Act 1972, I cannot comment on the matter at this stage. My right hon. Friend will announce her decision within the statutory period.