HC Deb 16 March 1994 vol 239 c679W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to abolish the county records offices.

Mr. Baldry

As my right hon. Friend considers the recommendations of the Local Government Commission in each of the shire counties, he will be looking to ensure that they enable adequate provision to be made for all existing local government functions, including records and archives.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the Government's policy on the level of public expenditure on(a) the collection and maintenance and (b) the availability locally for public inspection of local records.

Mr. Baldry

These are matters for local authorities to decide.