§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has recently received on the question of allowing local authorities to charge for their lending library services; and what is his policy on this matter.
§ Mr. ChannonI have received one letter suggesting that local authorities should be allowed to charge for book lending services by public libraries, and one opposing such a move. Authorities already have the power to charge for certain services provided by libraries but cannot charge for lending books to people who live or work in their areas. I have no plans for legislation to change this position.