HC Deb 07 December 1995 vol 268 cc400-1W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many school library services have been closed in each of the past five years; [4542]

(2) what was the expenditure on books and materials in respect of school library services in each of the past five years, in real terms. [4545]

Mr. Robin Squire

The Department does not collect this information.

Mr. Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the future of the schools library service. [4546]

Mr. Squire

The Government recognise that school library services can play an important role in supporting schools. They also believe that schools should have the freedom to decide themselves how to secure services, books and other resources to support learning.

Mr. Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many schools reach the chief inspector of schools' recommendation in respect of library resource items per head. [4543]

Mr. Squire

Her Majesty's chief inspector of schools does not make recommendations in respect of library resource items per head.