§ 23. Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he is taking to increase the effectiveness of the information services for which he is responsible.
§ Mr. ChannonMy advisory council on library and information services has recently published a report on future developments in this field. A copy is available in the Library. The report makes many valuable recommendations, and my Office is pursuing with those concerned the most urgent tasks identified by the council.
§ Mr. GreenwayDoes my right hon. Friend agree that information services are vitally important as part of the library services? May we have an assurance that up-to-date information technology will be included in future? Will my right hon. Friend keep in touch with the Minister for Industry and Information Technology about the matter?
§ Mr. ChannonYes. I am in constant touch with him. I entirely agree with all the points made in my hon. Friend's supplementary question and I can assure him that library authorities are well aware of those facts
§ Mr. FreudI realise that the Minister is not responsible for the Department of Trade information service. However, will he try to persuade the Secretary of State to give him details of licences for the export of works of art, which at the moment it appears to be against Government policy to publish?
§ Mr. ChannonI shall certainly have a look at that point in conjuncton with my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. DalyellAre significant sums being earmarked for information services to small firms?
§ Mr. ChannonA lot is happening concerning information services to small firms. I cannot say that specific funds are being allocated, but, as a result of studies that have been made in this field and others, small firms are well aware of the importance of the service and are taking it seriously.