A catalogue of the papers of Baron Redcliffe-Maud is now available through the Archives Catalogue|. The papers are invaluable to the study of English local government in the later half of the 20th century.
John Maud is most often remembered as the Chairman of the Royal Commission on Local Government 1966-1969. The 'Redcliffe-Maud Report', as it became known, recommended the introduction of new 'unitary authorities' in place of existing county, county borough, borough, urban district and rural district councils. Although it was considered too radical for the incoming Conservative government of 1970 the report continues to provoke debate and represents a significant resource to those concerned with the development of local government.
Maud's involvement in local government is also evident in his Chairmanship of the Local Government Management Committee, 1964-1967 and Prime Minister's Committee on Local Government Rules of Conduct, 1973-1974. But his public service career was longstanding and varied and included other prominent roles in the Ministry of Food, 1940-1944, Office of the Minister of Reconstruction, 1944-1945, Ministry of Education, 1945-1952 and Ministry of Fuel and Power, 1952-1959. Maud also spent a number of years in South Africa where he demonstrated his diplomatic skills as a British Ambassador and High Commissioner 1959-1963.
The papers of Baron Redcliffe-Maud contain material covering all aspects of his intriguing life and career and therefore also provide a fascinating insight into the workings of government during and after the second world war.
The collection was catalogued as part of the Foyle Foundation Project. Other collections recently catalogued include the papers of Sir Gilbert Longden (1902-1997) and Ronald Mackay (1902-1960). Work is currently taking place on the Federal Trust archives and should be completed in September 2006. For more information about the project and how to access available catalogues see Projects| or contact us: Contact details|
For information on other archives relating to government and politics see Government and politics|.