§ 29. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in restricting local authorities' expenditure, he will exempt from such restrictions money to be spent on public libraries.
§ Mr. DiamondIf the hon. Gentleman is referring to the deferment of public capital expenditure following my right hon. Friend's statement of 27th July, the answer is, "No, Sir".
§ Mr. KingWill the Chief Secretary accept that there is a logical distinction between cuts, or cut-backs, on civic centres and office buildings, and cuts in libraries which really are a part of education? Will he understand that there is considerable resentment among librarians about this?
§ Mr. DiamondI understand that there is a distinction, but the line has to be drawn somewhere.