§ 23. Mr. Fitchasked the Minister of Education what steps he proposes to take to implement the recommendation in Paragraph 97 of the Roberts Report, in view of the shortage of qualified librarians.
§ Sir D. EcclesThis is one of the matters on which I expect to receive general advice from the working party which is examining the basic requirements for an efficient library service.
§ Mr. FitchIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that 40 per cent. of the posts in our public libraries at A.P.T. 1 and 2 levels are occupied by unqualified staff? Would he not agree that this is due mainly to the poor salaries paid and the poor prospects of those who work in our public libraries? Will he make a further effort to contact the appropriate joint negotiating body, and bring this matter to its notice?
§ Sir D. EcclesI am aware of a considerable shortage of qualified librarians, but at present I have no responsibility in this matter. I feel sure that the employing authorities have taken note of the recommendations of the Roberts 1500 Report, and in many cases are acting upon them.
§ Mr. FitchIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that they do not seem to be doing very much about this? Are these people to join the queue with the nurses and the probation officers and become the victims of the Government's "guiding light" policy?
§ Sir D. EcclesThere is no question of that. At present, it is a matter for the local authorities, and it may well be that this further publicity for the library service will be taken notice of.
§ Mrs. WhiteAs the library service is deteriorating almost under our eyes, will the Minister try to hasten the report of the working party?
§ Sir D. EcclesI have no evidence that the library service is deteriorating. Within the last two months, I have visited a number of libraries and have found them in excellent shape.