§ 18. Mr. Fitchasked the Minister of Education if his attention has been drawn to paragraph 96 of the Roberts Report; and what proposals he has to make.
§ Sir D. EcclesSince the hon. Member raised this question previously, I have entered into discussions with the local authorities about the future of the library service in the light of the Government's decision to introduce legislation and further studies are envisaged. The provision of adequate and properly qualified staff is of great importance in the running of an efficient service and I know that the local authorities are fully aware of the comments of the Roberts Report on this matter.
§ Mr. FitchI thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. Is he aware that there is still dissatisfaction among librarians about their salaries, and that there has been no improvement since the publication of the Roberts Report in February, 1959?
§ Sir D. EcclesI hope that paragraph 96 will be acted upon.
§ Mrs. WhiteWhat are the results of the inquiry which the right hon. Gentleman promised to make into the wastage of librarians? Does the right hon. Gentleman have that information?
§ Sir D. EcclesNot without notice.
§ Mrs. WhiteThe Minister promised last March, in reply to a Question, that he would make this inquiry, and I think that we are therefore entitled to ask what the results have been.
§ Sir D. EcclesIf the hon. Lady will put down a Question, I will do my best to give her an answer.