§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to prevent the deterioration of written records in county archives; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesAll principal local authorities have a duty under the Local Government Act 1972 to make proper arrangements for any documents in their custody. Responsibility for the care of county archives therefore lies with the county councils and any successor authorities. A working group has, however, been established for the purpose of drawing up and promulgating central guidance for the future of archive collections, with particular reference to the needs of any new authorities established as a consequence of local government reorganisation. Its members are drawn from the Public Record Office, the Society of Archivists, the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts and the Association of County Archivists as well as representatives of my Department and the Department of874W National Heritage. It is intended to have the guidance in place early next year.