HC Deb 09 December 1993 vol 234 cc360-1W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what safeguards he has instituted in the local government review process to ensure that the trading standards departments are not adversely affected in the reorganisation process.

Mr. Baldry

The Local Government Commission's recommendations must enable adequate provision to be made for all existing local government functions, including the trading standards service. This is a matter we shall be looking at as we receive the commission's final reports for each area.

Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received about trading standards departments in relation to the local government review.

Mr. Baldry

This year, my right hon. Friend has received 24 representations on the general issue of trading standards in relation to the local government review.

Mr. Nigel Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements have been made to ensure the continued existence and development of a network of county record offices after the reform of local government authorities.

Mr. Baldry

The Local Government Commission's recommendations must enable adequate provision to be made for all existing local government functions, including the provision of archive services. This is a matter we shall be looking at as we receive the commission's final reports for each area.