Explanatory note

These Rules regulate the procedures to be followed in respect of inquiries to be held by the Secretary of State under section 10 of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 in connection with the suspected failure by a library authority to carry out duties relating to the public library service under the Act or under section 16 of the Act in relation to the functions of a library authority under the Act.

The Rules establish a timetable for each procedural step, and provide for exchange of statements between the Secretary of State, the library authority and other interested parties in addition to regulating the conduct of the inquiry itself, the procedure after the inquiry and the notification of the Secretary of State’s decision.