§ 10. Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what was the level of book loans from public libraries over the last year. [37932]
§ Mr. SproatThe total number of book loans in English public libraries was 450.5 million in 1994ߝ95, the latest year for which confirmed figures are available.
§ Mr. AmessDoes my hon. Friend agree that the library service is cherished throughout the country? That being the case, does he share my disappointment that Labour and Liberal-controlled Essex county council cut the libraries' budget by £1 million, thus raiding the book fund for the first time in living memory, meaning that no new books could be purchased in the current year, including my own?
§ Mr. SproatYes. It was very disappointing indeed that that was done, not least because the amount that is spent on libraries throughout England—about £500 million— has actually increased by 2 per cent. in real terms on average in the country as a whole, so it was a pity that Essex was not able to follow what other authorities apparently were doing. However, I pay tribute to the efficiency and courtesy of my local Essex public library, in Frinton-on-Sea.