§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received concerning the continuation of the county archive services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robin SquireIn the context of the review of local government structure by the Local Government Commission we have received representations from the Society of Archivists, the Association of County Archivists, the National Council on Archives and the Royal Commission on Historic Manuscripts, as well as representations from other interested parties and members of the public.
Our policy guidance to the Commission highlights the need for it to consider arrangements for the maintenance and management of archives. Our objective is for local authorities to continue to develop local policies for the collection and preservation of archives, and for making them available for public inspection whilst maintaining the integrity of existing collections.