§ Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Minister for the Arts what types of public library facilities are available to the blind; and what types of resources are available in Braille, large print and tape.
§ Mr. RentonA wide range of public library facilities and resources is available to the blind including fiction books, newspapers and magazines in Braille and Moon; fiction and popular non-fiction books in large print; talking books and newspapers; local history and music cassettes, and guides to services and community information. Cassette players are available for loan or use in many libraries, and Kurzweil reading machines in some. Many library authorities also act as agents for the services provided by national and local organisations. Under the public library development incentive scheme, we are supporting the development of a national daily talking newspaper service by Gateshead Libraries and Arts.