§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the amount of money to be made available for school libraries in(a) high schools, (b) primary schools, (c) infant and (d) nursery schools in Flintshire in 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [78954]
§ Mr. HainThis is a matter for the local education authority and for schools to decide in the light of local needs and priorities.
600WHowever, school libraries have an important role to play in the drive to raise standards of literacy. As part of the additional £4 million for books announced following the Budget, schools in Flintshire will receive £204,000. In addition Flintshire's share of the money which we are making available through the Grants for Education Support and Training programme in 1999–2000 specifically to support literacy is nearly £110,000.
We have also recognised the contribution which school librarians can make to teaching and learning and they are eligible to receive the training in the use of information and communications technologies funded from the Lottery through the New Opportunities Fund.