§ Baroness Davidasked Her Majesty's Government:
What recent investigations they have undertaken, in their supervisory role, of expenditure on books in public libraries; and what action they intend to take where this expenditure has been heavily reduced.
Viscount AstorThe Secretary of State for National Heritage continues to monitor the provision of public library services in England, including book expenditure, by analysing statistics and by investigating complaints. He will not hesitate to use his statutory 49WA powers where there is doubt about an authority's ability or willingness to fulfil its statutory obligations under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.